As politicians scramble to return contributions from Enron, the advocates of limiting money in politics say their cause has been reinvigorated.

The committee finally returned all suspect contributions in June.

It was unclear whether Ms. Messinger would have to return contributions above the $7,700 limit.

He asserted that the system could be preserved for the general election through bipartisan agreement if party nominees returned early contributions.

When possible, Burns has returned contributions to the tribes where they originated.

His campaign sometimes returns contributions from individuals with ties to tobacco, but not always.

Now he has decided to return leftover contributions and to disclose all the foundation's donors.

So far, he said in a telephone interview, he has spent less than $1,300 on his race, including postage to return unsolicited contributions.

Neither can it force candidates to return contributions.

He spent a total of $177.75 in 1982, primarily for postage and stationary to return contributions.