Number: R40091 Title: Campaign Finance: Potential Legislative and Policy Issues for the 111th Congress Authors: R. Sam Garrett, Analyst in American National Government Abstract: Drawing from recent legislative and campaign activities, this report discusses selected campaign finance policy issues that may receive attention during the 111th Congress. Questions about the health of the presidential public financing system were especially prominent during the 2008 election cycle. The cycle also witnessed new or expanded techniques for raising and spending money, such as bundling, joint fundraising committees, and hybrid advertising. Remaining issues from the 110th Congress, such as electronic filing of Senate campaign finance reports, may also receive renewed scrutiny. Other issues, such as 527 organizations and the Federal Election Commission, may also be addressed. Some of the issues discussed in this report have only recently received substantial attention. Others have been long-running sources of controversy. All appear likely to remain prominent policy issues. Whether Congress decides to pursue these or other campaign finance issues, common questions about the role of money in politics, transparency, and the need for additional regulation are likely to shape the debate. Pages: 16 Date: December 31, 2008