Edwards, Dodd, Biden, Kucinich Get Matching Funds

[ClarkUSA]

The Federal Election Commission...approved more than $19 million in matching taxpayer money for seven cash-strapped presidential candidates.
Democrat John Edwards will get $8.8 million in federal funds...The money...will not be released until March — will Edwards, a former North
Carolina senator, has already taken out a loan against the promise of receiving matching funds and, as such, he will definitely accept the
matching funds and accompanying spending limits, according to his campaign... the maximum amount a candidate could receive currently
estimated to be about $21 million. But it’s seen as a trade-off, since it also caps at about $50 million the amount of cash campaigns can
spend during the primary.

The leading contenders for the nominations will likely eclipse that level of spending, potentially putting those who take the federal funds at a
distinct disadvantage in early states... Other Democratic candidates certified Thursday include Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut at $1.4 million,
Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware at $857,000 and Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio at $100,000.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7494.html

[gateley]

1. But it’s seen as a trade-off, since it also caps at about $50 million the amount of cash campaigns

since it also caps at about $50 million the amount of cash campaigns "

Does anybody else think there's something a tad obscene about ONLY having $50 million to campaign with? Something is very wrong.

[snowbear]

2. Do candidates have to apply for matching funds by a certain date?

For example... say that Edwards winds up being our nominee..

Wouldn't he regret that he asked for matching funds?

Or... can a candidate back out of accepting them?

That article says:

"On the other hand, McCain, an Arizona senator, has “not made a decision on matching funds,” said spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker"

If McCain hasn't made up his mind yet.. I wonder why Edwards would jump on it before a single vote has been cast?

Confusing...

[ClarkUSA]

3. Yes. That time has passed.

To answer your question re: Edwards, he's already in debt and taken out a loan with FEC monies pledged as collateral. He cannot back out now.
McCain hasn't taken out a similar loan, so legally he's not bound to the FEC yet.