McCain FEC

If a candidate accepts public funds for their campaign, they are subject to rules and restrictions imposed by the Federal Elections Committee. Last summer, when John McCain's campaign was low on cash, he applied for FEC matching funds for the primary campaign, believing he could withdraw from the program at a later date. He later wrote the FEC to withdraw, and believing that he was no longer subject to the restrictions, continued to spend. On February 19, the FEC wrote to McCain, stating that he was still subject to the program, and that they would have to formally vote on his request to withdraw. Unfortunately, they don't have enough members to vote, as Congress has delayed approving President Bush's appointments. Even if they had enough members to vote, there are concerns being raised about a loan to his campaign that could cause the FEC to decline his request. If this position holds, McCain will only be able to spend $54 million in total, before being formally nominated in September. To date, he has already spent $49 million.

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