WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sen. George Voinovich is retiring when the U.S. Senate ends its business for the year, probably by this weekend. So he was granted the customary time to make a farewell speech on the Senate floor a little while ago.

It wasn't an emotional goodbye, but one brief segment sure was informative, because Voinovich opened a window on a subject many lawmakers take pains to avoid discussing in public. As he put it, "an unacceptable amount of time is spent on fundraising."

How much time is that? Here's the stunner.

"It is my estimate that 20 to 25 percent of a senator's time is spent on raising billions of dollars," the Ohio Republican said.

Yes, that's "billions." Voinovich's office says he meant "millions," and that sum certainly would be accurate for Senate races. "Billions" would be accurate in reference to cumulative political spending.

"And with it comes the negative fallout in terms of the public's view of Congress bowing to contributions and special interests," Voinovich continued.

"In addition to this negative impression, the time spent raising money too often interferes with the time we need for our families, our colleagues and most importantly doing the job that people elected us to do.

"My last two years have been my most productive and enjoyable ones," Voinovich said, "because I have not had to chase money at home and around the country. You know something? None of us like it, but nothing seems to get done about it."