21.   A respected chronicler of the Washington scene examines the campaign finance system and shows how both parties have a vested interest in torpedoing efforts at reform.

22.   Acknowledged that the Democratic Party accepted illegal and improper contributions, but characterized the missteps as the outgrowth of a flawed campaign finance system.

23.   Advocates of tightening the campaign finance system bridled at that.

24.   All year, the television networks broadcast stories about political fund-raising and the need to reform the campaign finance system.

25.   Both men cast aspersions on the current campaign finance system and pledged to work for reform.

26.   Bush dismissed the intense interest in the Pioneers among reporters and advocates for an overhaul of the campaign finance system, saying he had nothing to hide.

27.   Bush is not participating in the federal campaign finance system which provides matching funds to presidential candidates who limit their spending.

28.   Bush said that the daily Internet postings underscored his support for more openness in the campaign finance system.

29.   But he has stressed repeatedly that no meaningful overhaul of the campaign finance system will pass the Congress without addressing the use of union dues in political campaigns.

30.   But he seized upon the question to appeal again for Congress to overhaul the campaign finance system.