It shouldn't surprise anyone that campaign finance reform is a total mess. Democrats, who stood to lose the most if "soft money" contibutions were effectively curtailed, are accepting more money from millionaires, billionaires, and unions than ever before. I don't care how much money the Democrats raise, that's not the point. The point is that CFR is entirely ineffective in achieving its stated goal.
That's the sign of a bad law! It doesn't actually accomplish its goal, it just adds layers of red tape, regulation, and expense.
As for CFR specifically, money is like water: it flows downhill -- and nothing is lower than politics. The only way to combat government corruption is to reduce government power. As long as the government has the power to meddle in things, it will, and people will spend money to get it to meddle in their favor.
If it could be done constitutionally, I would support dumping all current campaign finance laws and adding one law providing that all donors names (for those giving $250 or more), whether the organizations be political or educational, be publicly available. No restrictions on the amount given, just full accountability as to where the funds came from.
JT: Sounds like a good idea to me.