LAWMAKERS, April 19, 1984
LAWMAKERS, April 19, 1984
19.58.36-WETA credit/sponsor credits/title sequence 19.59.25-Paul DUKE/Cokie ROBERTS in studio. Today's program: CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING, an "OLD LINE SOUTHERNER" in SENATE, and Political controversy over an OPERA stage. 20.00.00-DUKE introduces report on PAC'S and CAMPAIGN FINANCING. DUKE-cost of CONGRESSIONAL campaigns run into millions of dollars. Focus on special interest PAC'S, source of 1/3 of contributions to 1982 CONGRESSIONAL WINNERS. 20.00.33-a congressional candidate meeting with a Transportation PAC, hashing out scenarios of contribution and voting obligations. Shot of Sen. William PROXMIRE (D-Wisc.), argues that PAC money equals "buying a congressman", quotes PAC leader to that effect. Rep. Don SUNDQUIST defends PAC contributions as legitimate political action by citizens. 20.02.08-shot of stage at a fundraising dinner, backdrop reads "DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL DINNER". PAC leaders and Politicos in formal dress. Shot of TIP O'NEILL in tux, looking red in the nose and laughing. DUKE v.o. discusses the fundraising import of the dinner. Shot of Rep. Nick RAHALL (D-WV), justifies PAC contributions by the high cost of campaigning. 20.02.35-shot of an office door, a lobbyist and aide call on a CONGRESSMAN to lobby. Transportation PAC leader discusses the "foot in the door" that a donation provides. Anti-PAC Congressman Jim LEACH says the "contract" is implicit, access is power. PROXMIRE affirms that money talks in politics. DUKE discusses COMMON CAUSE studies of PAC influence on CONSUMER ISSUES. 20.04.09-Rep. SUNDQUIST disputes COMMON CAUSE findings, says it could be a coincidence that certain legislators voted for the interests of their contributors. External shot of CAPITOL. DUKE discusses proposals to limit PAC contributions to CANDIDATES. Shot of Sen. PROXMIRE says unless you believe in the TOOTH FAIRY, you have to think that PAC'S give money to get something in return. DUKE discusses proposals for public, tax-financed campaigning, shot of U.S. TAX FORMS. 20.05.17-Rep. LEACH says that limiting PAC funds will eliminate waste and fight deficits. SUNDQUIST says that regulating PAC'S is unnecessary government interference. DUKE v.o.-in ELECTION YEAR, no one thinks CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM has a chance of passing. Shots of Sen. Charles PERCY campaigning at CHICAGO ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE. Shots of other campaigners. Rep. WRIGHT, seated in office, says reform won't happen without widespread public outrage and the votes to back it up.