See article here regarding the fundraising "edge" that the RNC/McSame have over the DNC/Obama. A few things in there confused me, I was hoping fellow Kossacks could help. Most of my befuddlement comes from the whole "primary election" funds vs. "general election" funds distinction, though media bias in general also had me scratching my head.
In one sentence, the AP reports, "Of [Obama's] June total, about $50 million was money that can be spent in the remaining summer primary season and about $2 million can only be spent in the fall," but then they go on to say that he "can roll over unused primary election money into the fall general election contest." Are there limits on what the "primary" funds can be used for? Is BHO prevented from funding an anti-McSame ads since these funds were supposed to be used during the Dem primary? And does this money have to be used by the convention, or can it be "rolled over?" I suppose these will be new questions for the media since we finally have a candidate who will have a truly publicly financed campaign.
Also, the GOP numbers bother me. How did Obama outraise his rival $52-$22 million, yet the GOP holds a (seemingly staggering, by the tone of the article) $95-$92.3 million edge? If McSame decided to take "public" financing, why/how is he still raising money? Are these funds "primary" funds as well?
Also, the idea that the GOP is still outraising the YNP (Young New Party :) seems a little ridiculous. June numbers look to be $72 mil (Obama) + $22.4 mil (DNC) = $94.4 mil for the Dems and $22 mil (McSame) + $26 mil (RNC) = $48 mil for the GOP. That's almost a 2-to-1 lead! I suppose media bias is the topic for another diary.
And finally, I (shamefully) haven't donated to Obama yet, though I did send some money to Edwards about two days before he dropped out (d'oh). When I do, can I designate whether this is "primary" or "general" funds? I can't really afford to send $2300 or $4600, but I want to make sure I don't make a donation that doesn't get used by the convention and gets stuck in limbo.
Thanks all!
P.S. Any updates on the FEC lawsuit against McCain for not properly pulling out of public financing in the primary?