"For the sake of soft money we have put tax loopholes for special interests ahead of tax relief for working families, and we have made the tax code a bewildering 44,000 page catalogue of favors for a privileged few and a chamber of horrors for the rest of America," he said.

Whether or not campaign finance will catch on as an important issue in either party's primary remains to be seen.

Peter Spaulding, McCain's New Hampshire campaign chair, says McCain will try to make campaign finance reform a key issue in the Republican race.

"Sen. McCain has the unique ability to take the issue of campaign finance reform and show how it does matter," he said.

If McCain and Bradley can effectively explain how they think campaign finance reform will change politics, it may win him support among voters disenchanted with the influence of special interests inside the beltway.

A survey conducted in eight states by Public Campaign last September showed that a plurality of voters believed that "major" change is needed in the campaign finance system.

In New Hampshire, 53 percent of voters agreed with the need for major change and 26 percent believe minor change is necessary.