UAW supports ban on soft money, but...
Ban soft money contributions to political parties from corporations,
unions, and individuals?
The UAW says that’s the only way to re-establish the integrity of
the electoral process, and we’ve come out strongly in favor of these
core provisions of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance proposal (S. 27).
At the same time, we oppose parts of the campaign finance reform bill
sponsored by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Russ Feingold, D-Wis., that
could inhibit the ability of working families to participate in the political
process.
We’re concerned about parts of the bill that could prohibit many
legitimate activities including lobbying visits and candidate appearances,
sections that exempt some corporations from electioneering broadcast restrictions
that apply to unions, and the impact of the McCain-Feingold approach on
state and local elections.
We’re concerned about these amendments that may be offered to S.
27.
• Paycheck deception, a one-sided ploy favored by George W. Bush
to silence the voice of workers in the legislative/political process,
would not apply to either corporations or right-wing groups.
• Increasing the existing $1,000 maximum contribution limit by
individuals to federal candidates would just tilt the electoral process
even more in favor of the rich and powerful.
• Going beyond the provisions of the McCain-Feingold bill to codify
the Supreme Court’s Beck decision would silence the voice of working
families.
• Imposing intrusive disclosure requirements on expenditures for
internal membership communications would violate fundamental First Amendment
freedoms.
In many ways, the McCain-Feingold bill does not go far enough.
The UAW ultimately wants sweeping reforms including partial public financing
of Congressional elections, limits on spending in campaigns, and free
broadcast time for candidates.
We also want Congress to remove barriers to registering and voting, to
replace faulty voting equipment, and to extend voting times and other
changes to make voting easier.
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