State's senators back bill

MIKE MADDEN GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON -- Democrats Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell joined the Senate on Wednesday as it passed sweeping campaign finance legislation that cracks down on soft money and attack ads, the first major campaign change in 25 years.

The final vote was 60 to 40, but passage was all but ensured after supporters won an early afternoon vote to cut off debate.

The House had already passed the bill.

President Bush is expected to sign it.

Cantwell, who made campaign finance a centerpiece of her 2000 race against former Republican Sen. Slade Gorton, said she was thrilled with the vote.

"This bill forces all of us -- candidates, parties, and groups that seek to influence the outcome of elections -- to play by the same rules and raise and spend money in lower amounts," she said.

Murray, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which raises money for the party's Senate candidates, said she was also glad to see the bill pass.

"In recent years, it has become clear that our campaign finance system is broken," she said. "It has become harder for average citizens to be heard because their voices are being drowned out. It has become harder for citizens of average means to even run for office.

"Today's vote is a step forward in restoring the public's faith and the public's voice in our government."

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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