A question about public financing

[washingdem]

If Obama declines public financing for the GE, can he carry over existing funds raised during the primary season? Or does he have to spend it all before the convention?

[Eric J in MN]

1. Obama is currently segregating his donations.

When people donate more than $2300, the excess is put into a potential general election fund.

Eventually, Obama will have to decide whether to accept $83 million in public funds for the general election, and return what he's accumulated in the private general election fund,

or to reject public funds and spend the money in the private general election fund.




NOTE: If you're asking whether money he's designated for the primary, and yet hasn't spent by September can be spent in the general if he rejects public financing, I don't know.

[washingdem]

2. The latter

The first part of your answer I didn't know either, and that's interesting. But yeah, I'm wondering if money he hasn't spent by September can be carried over to the general.

[Araxen]

3. Public Financing is a bad idea with all the 527's the repubs will dream up

if Obama takes it. Heck, there will be a ton even if he doesn't.