The more than $3 million broadcasters gave to political parties over the past decade reflects the growing "soft money" scandal that has permitted wealthy special interests to spend millions of dollars to buy access and influence in Washington. Soft money contributions are huge, unregulated donations benefiting federal candidates that evade federal campaign finance laws. Current federal law prohibits corporations and labor unions from direct gifts to federal candidates. Individuals may give up to $1,000 to a candidate per election, and up to $20,000 annually to a political party. …
