Is it really true that "Every dollar Obama spends campaigning for the primary..."

[kay1864]

"...is a dollar he could be spending campaigning against McCain?"

I mean, it makes perfect sense on the surface, and thus an argument for Clinton to drop out.

But then I hear about "$ earmarked for primaries" vs. "$ earmarked for GE" and "can't use primary $ for the GE", etc.

Is it that he can shift funds from primary to GE only after she drops out? Or is it that any incoming donations go to his GE fund only after she drops out?

But then I read awhile back that part of *her* funds were already allocated to the GE, and couldn't be spent on the primaries.

Somebody 'splain this to me please! Is the subject above true or not?

Thanks! :hi:

[Texas Hill Country]

1. no, funds are specified for primary or general election.

[democrattotheend]

7. Everything spent before the convention is considered primary money

That's why Dean and Kerry opted out for the primary in 2004. They thought if the Democratic nominee were restricted by primary spending limits through July they would not have enough to spend against Bush in that time period.

[gateley]

2. Kicking to await those with the knowledge to respond --

I've wondered the same thing myself.

[grantcart]

3. they aren't wasted they go and help build the organization for the GE

they are only wasted if your candidate doesn't go on to the GE

[writes3000]

4. Yes, it's true. Primary money can be used for the General Election.

But General Election money cannot be used for the primary.

[AllentownJake]

5. You can give 4600 for the total election

once you give 2300 any additional money up to another 2300 is stored as GE money. The campaigns make sure that they "spend" the money from people who have maxxed out first and than smaller donors later.

So if they have left over money the money is carried over to the GE fund and the money is matched to donors. So if you gave only $50 they will most likely match you last because getting $2300 out of you isn't likely.

I hope that clarifies things?

[NotThisTime]

6. It's true, he could move his primary $ to the GE. People's $ that go over the cap go into the GE

It's true, he could move his primary $ to the GE. People's $ that go over the cap go into the GE fund & can only be used for the GE....

So, all that money Obama is spending that will result in the same, well, result.... is being wasted on a primary that is all but complete, with the same end game as it had months ago. That popular delegate lead is not going away..