While other parties criticized the donations, Liberal national director Steven MacKinnon stated that the party would not launch an investigation, arguing that it was the responsibility of Elections Canada to regulate donations.

"What's important is that now we have a law that regulates donations, and from there we can begin to build a model in a more efficient way."

But Mr. McCain's plan would regulate the so-called soft money contributions to political parties from labor unions, just as it would regulate such donations from corporations and individuals.

In banning soft money, the legislation sponsored by Mr. Shays and Mr. Meehan would force the parties to rely on smaller, more closely regulated donations.

The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States.

Worried about lost tax revenue, Senator Grassley plans to conduct hearings on regulating charitable donations in the next few months.

The Australian Electoral Commission regulates donations to political parties, and publishes a yearly list of political donors.

In fact, any idea being suggested in America for regulating spending and donations has probably already been tried in Europe, where campaigns don't cost anywhere near as much.

In discussions with legislative leaders this week, his administration reportedly pushed for a bill that would regulate donations at all levels of government.

Mr. Smolla's chapter on money and politics embraces the Supreme Court's perception that "money talks" and therefore government may not limit a campaign's political spending, though it may regulate donations.