We hear both sides of the debate over how CVPS should return $21 million to its ratepayers as part of its merger with Green Mountain Power and Congressman Peter Welch discusses campaign finance reform.

Officials in charge of overseeing Vermont's elections say lawmakers should consider changes to the state's campaign finance laws, including increasing the penalty for violations. 

Congressman Peter Welch says it's critical for Congress to pass a campaign finance reform bill that will regulate this year's elections. Welch voted for a bill, adopted by the U.S. House, that contains new disclosure requirements for corporations and labor unions.

Democratic leaders vowed to pass a bill in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows corporations and labor unions to spend an unlimited amount of money on a political campaign. But gaining support in an election year has been a challenge.

VPR's Bob Kinzel talks with Bennington Senator Dick Sears and Franklin Senator Randy Brock about a recent Supreme Court ruling that drastically changes campaign finance laws.

Congressman Peter Welch is supporting a proposed constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court decision on campaign finance reform, as well as short term measures that he says will lessen the impact of the ruling on this year's elections.

Supporters of a campaign finance reform bill are pushing to have their plan go into effect for the 2010 election. But Governor Jim Douglas argues the bill shouldn't apply to this year's campaign.

The Legislature is eager to pass new campaign finance rules in time for the 2008 elections. Bob Kinzel's guests look at the bill's prospects. Also in the program, news analysis from VPR's John Dillon, and we hear from NPR's Juan Williams. Williams was in Vermont this week to speak to teachers for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Last month, the United States Supreme Court struck down Vermont's Campaign Finance Law. Commentator Cheryl Hanna shares her thoughts on what's next for Vermont's political landscape.

Tomorrow the United States will hear arguments in Randall v. Sorrell, a case testing the constitutionality of Vermont's campaign finance law. Commentator Cheryl Hanna shares her thoughts on what this case means for Vermont and for the nation.