March 27 - Today in Legal History
March 27, 2002 - Bush Signs Campaign Reform Act
President George W. Bush signs the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, imposing new limits on federal campaign spending. Under the act, commonly known as McCain-Feingold, "soft money" contributions by unions and corporations to political parties are banned. The act also increases the individual campaign contribution limit from $1,000 to $2,000, and limits issue advertising – that which does not directly endorse a candidate -- to within 30 days of a primary election and 60 days of a general election.
Related Resources:
- Audio: Campaign Finance Reform (Justice Talking)
- The First Amendment and Campaign Finance Reform (FindLaw)
- Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (Federal Election Commission)
- President Signs Campaign Finance Reform Act (White House)
