Every federal campaign finance reform law enacted since 1971-ostensibly intended to keep politicians honest and limit the influence of contributors-has in reality protected incumbents by reducing the funds available to challengers. Although the courts have struck down many of the most egregious incumbent-protection measures enacted by Congress, important ones still remain-particularly restrictions on what political parties can spend in support of their candidates. These restrictions explain why reelection rates for incumbents are so high-up to 98 percent in recent years-despite record-low approval ratings for Congress.