Before the vote Wednesday Daschle said, "I think he will do it because I think he knows it is the right thing to do."
Eleven Republicans joined 48 Democrats and the chamber's lone independent in voting to pass the bill. Two Democrats joined 38 Republicans in voting against it.
Attorneys have already begun to comb the bill for loop-holes and experts predict the measure will not necessarily stem the flow of money but merely redirect it, with money going from national political parties to outside groups.
"This bill won't fix every problem in our campaign finance system," said Senator Russell Feingold, a Democrat who, with McCain, has been a leading proponent in the Senate for reform.
"This bill won't miraculously erase distrust and suspicion of Congress overnight," Feingold said. "It won't completely end the primacy of money in politics .... But this bill is a step in the right direction. It's a big step."
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