We would expect no advertisements paid by Western Union.

But the expensive advertisements, paid for with so-called soft money, later led to calls for an investigation into Democratic fund-raising.

Today, newspapers brimmed with advertisements, paid for by the Aspen Skiing Company and other businesses that profit from the ski trade, favoring airport expansion.

The Cardinal was harshly criticized recently in an advertisement paid for by the American Life League as capitulating to politicians who favor abortion.

One advertisement paid for by the Republican Party focused on Mr. Dole's biography.

But a recent advertisement paid for by the Camden County Democratic Committee has some political observers pulling out the record books.

Democrats blamed their loss in the Second District on the negative advertisements paid for primarily by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

He also barred elected officials or candidates from appearing in advertisements paid for by state entities, a frequent practice of Mr. Pataki.

In its ruling, the election commission placed some restrictions on the way these committees operate, including a prohibition on certain advertisements paid for solely with soft money.

Mr. Bruno's bill also attempts to regulate political advertisements paid for by advocacy groups during campaigns, one of the most complicated areas of campaign finance.