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What is Soft Money?
When it comes to political campaign contributions in the United States, the main players always seem to be looking for loopholes. In many cases, they don’t have to look very far. One of the simplest ways to provide more support for a candidate without creating suspicion or breaking any laws is to donate what is called soft money. Unlike so-called hard money, soft money goes to a given political party rather than being donated directly to a specific candidate. It is not intended to be used for any one candidate but strictly for the party as a whole.
The Difference Between Soft Money and Hard Money
In the U.S., money that is donated to a candidate — called hard money — is regulated by federal laws that limit the amount of money that a person can donate to a candidate. Hard money is strictly monitored by the Federal Election Commission. Soft money, on the other hand, is not limited by federal laws. This allows donors to contribute much larger amounts of money to a candidate's party than to the candidate himself or herself.
Purpose of Soft Money
Soft money is supposed to be spent for particular purposes, such as campaign ads endorsing an entire political party. It also can be used for voter registration drives or “get out and vote” campaigns, yard signs, T-shirts and bumper stickers for the party. Soft money also can be used for advertisements that discuss specific political issues or the party’s platform. The idea behind soft money is for early party building and rallying the party's base.
In some cases, soft money might be used for other expenses as well, including administrative costs. These costs might include purchasing office supplies, paying rent and utilities for general campaign offices and many other mundane expenses. This money isn’t being used for anything especially exciting to observers, such as political campaigns against another party's candidates, so the uses of soft money are often overlooked.
Considered a Loophole by Some People
At one time, nearly unlimited amounts of money were allowed to be donated to political parties through the soft money loophole. Although it is said that campaign finance reform legislation no longer leaves this amount unlimited, the soft money loophole still allows wealthy contributors to donate a great deal of money. Many people see this as a way for wealthy contributors to buy influence without being held accountable.
Great Source of Funding for Political Parties
Federal election laws have done little to control the giving or spending of soft money, so political parties tend to utilize it as their chief source of campaign fund raising. Great amounts of money are raised long before any contributions are made exclusively to individual candidates. It also is true that spending soft money to alleviate certain costs still frees up other money for a political party to spend on specific candidates. Distinguishing between soft money and regular campaign contributions can sometimes be a tricky process, which might lead to impropriety or scandal.
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![Soft money donations are not limited by federal law.]()
By: Andy DeanSoft money donations are not limited by federal law. -
![Soft money is given to a political party rather than directly to a candidate.]()
By: gloszillaSoft money is given to a political party rather than directly to a candidate. -
![As modern elections have become more expensive, the issue of campaign financing has become controversial and hotly debated.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungAs modern elections have become more expensive, the issue of campaign financing has become controversial and hotly debated. -
![Soft money loopholes allow certain contributions to get around campaign funding limits established by Congress.]()
By: Zap IchigoSoft money loopholes allow certain contributions to get around campaign funding limits established by Congress. -
![Soft money goes to a given political party, rather than the candidate directly.]()
By: Photo_MaSoft money goes to a given political party, rather than the candidate directly.
Discussion Comments
Until recently, political soft money was the easiest way for wealthy donors, corporations, and organizations to have a large impact on elections, almost buying them in a sense. Now corporations and organizations do not have to be so discreet. A recent Supreme Court ruling allows corporations to make unlimited hard money donations to individual candidates, essentially buying elections. The only check and balance to this unlimited spending is that politicians must make the donations public.
The justices claimed that ruling was necessary because a corporation is the same as a person, but this is a contradiction in itself since there are annual limits to what an individual can donate, yet none for a corporation. This is one of the worst, most corrupt, decision by the Supreme Court ever!
this was a very helpful article. thank you.
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