That is why so many members on both sides want to limit Senator Thompson's hearings.

Senator Thompson conceded that the testimony had produced "no shocking revelations."

Senator Thompson said these and other matters might never be proved conclusively.

Senator Thompson and his staff also proved to be inept at stage management.

"We've had the first real substantive debate on campaign finance reform in 20 years," Senator Thompson said today.

That could explain why Senator Thompson and his staff seem to be trying to lower expectations about what the hearings might produce.

Senator Thompson has been talking a lot since then, as head of the Senate investigation into campaign finance abuses.

Senator Thompson did not hide his dislike for the program.

The Republicans on Senator Thompson's committee have met at least twice in the last couple of weeks.

His testimony today followed a stir that Senator Thompson, the committee chairman, caused first thing this morning.

That is why so many members on both sides want to limit Senator Thompson's hearings.

Senator Thompson conceded that the testimony had produced "no shocking revelations."

Senator Thompson said these and other matters might never be proved conclusively.

Senator Thompson and his staff also proved to be inept at stage management.

"We've had the first real substantive debate on campaign finance reform in 20 years," Senator Thompson said today.

That could explain why Senator Thompson and his staff seem to be trying to lower expectations about what the hearings might produce.

Senator Thompson has been talking a lot since then, as head of the Senate investigation into campaign finance abuses.

Senator Thompson did not hide his dislike for the program.

The Republicans on Senator Thompson's committee have met at least twice in the last couple of weeks.

His testimony today followed a stir that Senator Thompson, the committee chairman, caused first thing this morning.