First Published in 1999

The 1996 elections revealed that unmistakeable, dramatic changes have occurred in the way federal campaigns are paid for. Through soft money donations, issue advocacy campaigns and other stratagems, parties and candidates have been able to circumvent the regulations put in place after the Watergate scandal.

Despite rhetorical condemnations, there is every reason to expect these trends to continue in the future. This study of the 1996 election - the latest in a highly praised series sponsored by the Citizens' Research Foundation - systematically examines the new campaign finance practices and their consequences.