Reform bill wrinkles.

Byline: The Register-Guard

The new campaign reform law has spurred two new debates since its passage last month. Each in its own way underscores the fact that the reform bill, which takes effect in November, has a life of its own.

One debate is over a provision in the law that prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to make a contribution to a candidate. The idea is to prevent parents or family friends from masking a campaign donation or exceeding the bill's contribution limits by using a child's name as a ruse.

Proponents of the provision argue that there are many ways that children can become involved in the political process other than by donating money to a candidate. They can go door-to-door handing out campaign flyers, make phone calls on behalf of a candidate, stuff envelopes or put up campaign signs. Opponents say that the provision sends the wrong message. "We are constantly told about the need to get more citizens involved in the electoral process, but with this bill, we are doing just the opposite," says Rep. Patrick Tiberi, R-Ohio.

Yet the provision provides a useful safeguard against abuse of the electoral system by unscrupulous contributors. Yes, there will be attempts to circumvent the ban on children donating to campaigns. But, too, there are many ways for young people to participate in the electoral system - and they can start giving cash to candidates when they're old enough to vote.

The other debate is over President Bush's appointment of a critic of the campaign finance reform bill to the Federal Elections Commission. Michael Toner, the top attorney for the Republican National Committee, has opposed the reform effort in the past. He said at one point that the bill "will put a stake through the heart of grass-roots and voter education initiatives."

The president nominated Toner for the elections commission last November, but the Senate - as is too often the case - was slow to take up his confirmation. So when Congress recessed for its Easter break, Bush made what's known as a "recess appointment" to place Toner on the panel without Senate confirmation.

Recess appointments are certainly not new. Bill Clinton was a master at them. But for the president to deliberately place a campaign reform foe on the panel that oversees federal elections - after signing the reform bill in virtual secrecy - is another indication that this president is never averse to accomplishing his goals by any means possible. He should have waited for the Senate to take up the Toner nomination, but chose the back-room shuffle instead. It may come back to bite him on other nominations.