Question regarding Edwards and federal matching funds

[GOPBasher]

I'm wondering if anyone can help me here. I know that Edwards is accepting federal matching funds, which limits his spending here in the primary. My question is, does this affect the general election if he were to be the nominee? Is the general election considered a separate thing, which would allow him to decline federal matching funds for that campaign and to be free of limits on his spending? Or, is it all together, so that his spending will be limited in both? Thanks. :-)

[williesgirl]

1. Not sure but think it limits up up to and incl conventions, not GE.

[GOPBasher]

6. Thanks. :-) n/t

[onehandle]

2. Expect to get answers from the usual Edwards bashers annnny second now. nt

[cali]

5. yes, of course, realistic discussion and criticism

of JE is only and always bashing. :eyes:

[GOPBasher]

7. LOL n/t

[cali]

3. it's separate. He's limited to $50 million during the primary

which runs until the Convention. All candidates from both parties have always taken public funding in the general. In 2004, Bush spent over 250 million and Kerry approx 20 million less in the primaries.

[GOPBasher]

4. Thanks. :-) n/t

[Lisa0825]

8. So what happens if....

he gets more donations due to strong showings? He just can't spend those yet, and they are banked until after the convention? Can he decide NOT to take the funds after all if donations start rolling in faster?

I'd like to know if this will be a hurdle for him.

Also, what about the Rethuglicans? I heard that Huckabee was taking matching funds. Are any others? Is taking matching funds enough of a restrictioin that we should hope to have a Rethug on matching funds?