It’s no surprise that “change-minded” Democrats are mute on the issue of transforming the so-called toxic effect of money in politics. Since Democrats now have an overall cash advantage, why alter the game?

No doubt, Barack Obama possessed the Midas touch when it came to fundraising in 2008. But other factors related to how campaign finance laws affect the two parties are also at work. Evidence suggests political reforms aimed at limiting the parties’ ability to raise resources have a disproportionately negative impact on the GOP. Consider some recent history. The campaign finance system in 2008 offered John McCain a Hobson’s choice. He could reject public financing and spend most of his time trying to compete with the Democratic nominee’s money-machine. Or, he could accept the $84 million in federal funds and get buried by the avalanche of Obama cash.