If you look at campaign manager Joe Trippi's november meetup message it looks Dean has chosen to forget about federal matching funds:
Campaign Manager Joe Trippi's November Meetup Message
He talks a lot about having two million people, giving a 100 bucks each. About the campaign chest being empty at the end of the primaries with GWB having 200 million dollars to throw at voters between may and august. About how they would not use the money against the other candidates.
It seems to me like he is preparing the meetupers for the fact that Howard Dean will forgo the matching funds.
I have also heard rumors that he is organising to get 10.000 signatures in SC in order to get on the ballot. This is mandatory if you forgo the matchingfunds.
Seems like a done deal. But what will be the consequences for the race? If Dean drops out so will Kerry to use is own as well as his rich spouse's funds. Will this be a liability? And what about the other candidates?