I suspect most members don't know the right answer and they're just forced to make a judgment now in a very fluid situation. |
I think 2006 may be a very contentious year. The Democrats see a very weakened president, and the Republicans running for re-election are really concerned about relying on Bush's popularity. I think the Democrats are going to try to leverage that. |
I think everybody acknowledges its not working anymore. |
I think it's a long shot, for anyone to think it will be passed in Congress. |
I think they felt the way that many high-tech companies felt: that what happened in Washington didn't affect them and that they were outside the political realm. |
If a party puts $4 million into a House race, it's really releasing a lot of guns. It shows the importance of the race. |
If the justices uphold the law, it could mean a major change in how political parties operate, |
In most cases, it's a discrete amount of money [involved] - it's not the entire campaign war chest. You are usually talking about a small percentage of the total campaign fund, in which case it's not practical to return the money because you can't figure out whose money it was that was misused. |
In the end, what is going to be judged is whether there is enforcement of the laws. The key is disclosure and transparency. |
Indian tribes have become a political force, and they have to be looked at that way with regard to political contributions. |
It has to be seen for what it is. This is an industry group supported by the industry to put forward the views of the pharmaceutical industry on this issue. |
It will be interesting to see if they accept the idea that not only actual corruption in politics needs to be addressed, but the appearance of corruption as well, ensuring public confidence and all that. |
It's a fine line and it really depends on what the contributor knew. |
It's a perfect fit for the pharmaceutical industry. The fact they he shaped this bill adds to his cachet. |
It's a very big perk for members (of Congress) and a very big lobbying tool for companies. |