by Nicholas Beaudrot of Electoral Math
Via Hotline, we learn "McCain is expected to forgo federal matching funds for both the primary and the general election. McCain can tap each donor for a maximum of $2,100 per race, and he can raise money for both the primaries and the general election race at the same time."
This was inevitable, once both candidates raised over $150 million for the primaries in 2004. In Congressional races, candidates may accept two $2100 checks from each donor, one for the primary and another for the general. But, funds not spent during the primary season may be rolled over to the general election, allowing the candidate to hoard funds until it truly matters. This, I would say, marks the end of the post-Nixon system of financing Presidential races, and will probably kickstart a conversation on how to once again free our Presidential candidates from the excruciating time sink that is fundraising.
Hopefully Mark Schmitt has something to say on the topic.
