WASHINGTON, March 17, 2006 — Politicians spend much of their time and energy raising money to fund ever-more-costly election campaigns. They

How political non-profits work the system

State and local parties not warming up to Levin funds

Fundraising ahead of 2001 pace as new law provides opportunities and challenges

National parties transferred millions of dollars to state party committees

A look into how the Center reported "Party Lines"

Tough disclosure laws still fail to catch millions in undisclosed soft money

How does the federal law stack up?

States have inconsistant disclosure laws, incomplete records and barriers to easily obtaining financial records