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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2001

On the eve the House is set to debate a bill to reform how political parties raise campaign funds, proponents said they don't have enough votes to see the measure pass.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Martin T. Meehan (D-Mass.) and Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), would ban soft money contributions to political parties. It is similar to a measure which passed the Senate and is largely opposed by Republicans.

Yet an alternative which is supported by Republicans doesn't appear to have the votes either. In either case, proponents of each bill have spent time wooing those lawmakers who may be on the fence, including Hispanic and African-American members.

Get the Story:
Campaign Reform Lacks Votes (The Washington Post 7/12)
Gephardt Has Large Stake in Bill's Fate (The Washington Post 7/12)
How the Competing Campaign Finance Bills Differ (The Washington Post 7/12)
2 Groups in House Are Focal Point of Campaign Bill (The New York Times 7/12)
Black Caucus Members Are Courted Heavily in Soft Money Fight (The New York Times 7/12)
Gephardt Sways Foes on Money for Contests (The New York Times 7/12)
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