Senators closer to e-filing finance reports

Senators running for reelection in 2010 are one step closer to filing their campaign finance reports electronically instead of on paper, as Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced a measure most observers say is likely to pass this year. Feingold's bill, which would require senators to make electronic filings in the same way House candidates and political action committees do, had been held up in the last three Congresses by Republicans who wanted a specific amendment included in the measure. Sens. Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) are prime co-sponsors. But the bill cleared a major hurdle earlier this month when Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), who had issued a hold on the bill, told The Hill he would not oppose the measure this year.