1.   The Synar bill tried to limit PACs directly and replace some of the money lost through campaigns by increasing the contribution limit for individuals.

2.   Also Tuesday, the Senate defeated a proposal to amend the Constitution so Congress could set spending and contribution limits on campaigns for federal office.

3.   Among the defeated amendments were ones to raise contribution limits and to exempt from regulation advertisements on the Internet.

4.   And despite the stench from that above-ground channel, the current court seems to be tilting against every kind of contribution limit.

5.   And some senators want to raise contribution limits, arguing the problem is that limits were never adjusted for inflation.

6.   Another proposal by Gallego that would set contribution limits is pending in committee.

7.   At the same time, Congress needs to raise the contribution limits on tax-deferred retirement plans.

8.   Before the statute became effective, however, Missouri voters approved a ballot initiative with even stricter contribution limits, effective immediately.

9.   Both states also have much stricter hard money contribution limits than New York.

10.   A compromise was reached on how much to raise the contribution limits and it averted a split in the coalition of Democrats and Republicans supporting change.