1.   Money can corrupt the political system through the power of PACs and the use of independent expenditure.

2.   It was hoped that this would reduce independent expenditure and thus overall spending.

3.   And a new entity, called independent expenditure groups, has sprung up to operate advertising campaigns outside the purview of candidates.

4.   Another unknown factor is the role of independent expenditures that other individuals and groups may make on behalf of candidates.

5.   But all lost their ability to keep contributions or independent expenditures secret when a law was quickly enacted subjecting the groups to full scrutiny.

6.   But the group has registered with the Federal Election Commission as an independent expenditure committee, just like the AFL-CIO or the National Rifle Association.

7.   But this year, the Supreme Court opened the floodgates by sanctioning the free flow of money to the allegedly independent expenditures of political parties.

8.   Collusion between a campaign and an organization making independent expenditures violates federal election law.

9.   Democrats overwhelmingly support a bill to eliminate soft money and tighten independent expenditures.