The precise point at which a tax deduction becomes a 'loophole' or a tax incentive becomes a 'subsidy for special interests' is one of the great mysteries of politics.

Our electoral process has created perverse incentives that have warped our democracy and empowered special interests and a vocal minority.

We have to knock down the barriers erected by greed, special interests, powerful forces.

We need real campaign finance reform to loosen the grip of special interests on politics.

As dismayed as Americans are with the influence of the special interests that finance election campaigns, they've been reluctant to embrace the alternative: taxpayer-financed elections.

It is a message that special interests can close off legitimate avenues of scientific inquiry.