Put a Special Prosecutor on Campaign Fund-Raising

Such a stench is emanating from the free-for-all fund-raising in last year’s election campaign that it’s time for an independent counsel to be appointed to investigate potential criminal wrongdoing.

But we should recognize at the outset that a special prosecutor’s probe will not solve the larger and more pervasive problem of a rotten campaign finance system.

From the standpoint of public outrage, the overwhelming offense committed by Democratic fund-raisers this past year may have been blatant and obscene excess: the sheer volume of money raised and the dubious methods used to solicit it--dubious, but mostly within the law.

This is not just a problem of Bill Clinton and the Democrats. The system drives both parties into fund-raising frenzies, often dancing along a fine line of legality. So much is at stake in a national election, neither side believes it can afford to be outspent by the opposition.

Because of court decisions and exploitation of loopholes in the law since the 1970s, money can be collected by the national parties in any amount and spent for almost any purpose. It may be outrageous, but it’s legal.

Finding the vehicle for a long-range solution is simple: the campaign finance reform bill sponsored by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Russell D. Feingold (D-Wis.) now before Congress. The problem is getting enough senators and representatives with the courage and integrity to support the bill. So far, precious few have stepped forward. The public must demand passage of the McCain bill.

But that does not obviate the need for a criminal investigation. Barely a day passes without a new report of some questionable activity. Major issues include whether Democrats attempted to launder illegal foreign contributions and if White House employees illegally engaged in political activities.

Atty. Gen. Janet Reno is on the case now. Investigations are being organized by majority Republicans in the House and Senate.

We would not question the integrity or good intentions of either the Justice Department or the Congress in conducting fair and complete investigations.

The fact is, however, that neither side can escape the appearance of conflict: Janet Reno probing her own President and party, and congressional Republicans going after their political enemies.

This is a job for a fair and impartial counsel of unquestioned integrity, someone who will follow the money without fear or favor.