I think (initially) there is always some caution, because people have never seen it work before _ and they always want somebody else to be the one to try it out. |
Republicans in Congress have signaled that they want reform -- but not very much reform. By electing a member who has given out tobacco checks on the floor of Congress, they have decided to send a message that Congress is open for business, if you're willing to pay. |
Speaking at a very loud volume has an impact on those who cannot speak so loudly. |
The standard for rejecting money is that the donor has risen to enough prominence that holding on to the money will hurt you at the polls. It's a very pragmatic, political standard. |
This past week's good news for reformers is likely to continue in the weeks and months to come. Record campaign fundraising (see Schwarzenegger's bid to raise $120 million in the California gubernatorial race) and the continued stench of national scandal will lift reform efforts in Washington DC and across the country this year and beyond. |