Religious groups divided on campaign reform

WASHINGTON — Religious groups remain divided after the House of Representatives passed sweeping campaign finance reform Feb. 14 after months of Republican opposition.

The final 240–189 vote, led mostly by Democrats but joined by some Republicans, sends the measure to the Senate, which last year passed a similar package. Although some hurdles remain, President Bush has signaled that he is likely to sign the measure.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass., eliminates the so-called unlimited “soft money” contributions to political parties that critics say pollutes the process and buys access. The measure also limits “issue ads” that can be run near an election or primary.

But religious groups that have long supported the reforms say the bill will give ordinary citizens more access to the political process and take politics out of the pockets of wealthy contributors.