Campaign 2000: The Rebel's Revenge

All along, McCain kneaded the process, talking with Hastert and working the phones right up to the midnight vote. The former candidate has been asked by more than 100 G.O.P. candidates to campaign in their districts. Candidates' internal polls in such states as Michigan, New Hampshire and California show that he is still the most inspiring politician in America. Though McCain has said there's no litmus test for his support, 527s became just that. For the handful of House candidates who have requested the White Tornado for their Rotary Club but voted the wrong way, there may be a problem with the Senator's travel schedule. "So sorry," says a top McCain adviser. "We don't have strings attached, but if you're not even for disclosure, don't call yourself a reformer and don't come knocking on our door for help."

By the time the bill made it back to the Senate, the momentum was too much for Republican leaders. Even longtime reform opponent Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican who voted against the bill, encouraged anyone up for re-election to back it. "I do not think this is a spear worth falling on," he said, envisioning Democratic attacks. Once the bill passed, it was zipped over to the Whit House at lightning speed to be signed by Clinton. It takes effect immediately.

Reform advocates say this could be the start of something big. They've come close before. A much broader measure to ban unlimited donations to political parties has passed the House twice and has a majority in the Senate--but not quite enough votes to overcome G.O.P. filibustering. The growing good-government gang hopes it's got the momentum. But opponents too are hopeful. This vote may have taken care of their campaign-finance obligations for a while. Even Castle agreed. "It'll make that next step a little more difficult, because members will be able to say we already did something."

Nevertheless, much of the campaign-ad subterfuge will continue. Even those who led the fight for the bill concede that the targeted 527 groups will simply reorganize in some other guise if they're bent on hiding their sugar daddies. Says election lawyer Kenneth Gross: "It doesn't mean a whole lot. It'll affect the process only at the margins."

As both sides of the issue return next week from their July 4th recess, they are re-loading their muskets. Reformers plan to gather Monday to pick which issue on their long list will drive their next ambush. DeLay has vowed to keep fighting just as hard to support groups like the Republican Majority Issues Coalition. "They're not going to intimidate me," said the outspoken whip. So, despite all the celebration, no one is calling for fireworks just yet. Unless they're for battle.