can candidates who accept matching funds exceed the $44.6 million limit?

[pruner]

I know that they can exceed the state limits and pay fines for doing so.

do the same rules apply nationally, or is the $44.6 million figure the absolute ceiling?

[Melinda]

1. Short answer - yes.

Presidential candidates who accept federal funds will be limited to spending $45 million in the 2004 primaries and $70 million in the general-election campaign. Federal matching funds are offered to presidential candidates in exchange for them accepting these spending limits -- if they opt out of accepting federal matching funds (as Dean has done), then they are not capped on spending.

[pruner]

2. that doesn't answer my question…

I'm wondering if candidates who accept matching funds can exceed the $44.6 million limit and pay fines for doing so, the same way they can exceed the state spending limits (that are a part of the matching funds system) and pay fines for doing so.

[tsipple]

3. Sure, But...

...It's only very short term. The law catches up with you at the next reporting period. And then you get slapped.

So it's only very short term -- and a big press story just when you don't want one.

[Melinda]

4. Your answer is here:

http://www.fec.gov/law/feca.pdf

[pruner]

5. thanks for the link

I don't suppose you'd happen to know which page (of 227) it's on.

:)

[Melinda]

6. :-)

Page 125: Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, Chapter 96, Section 9035 et. seq. seems a good place to start. ;)