As a serious ABB Democrat, I have a serious question regarding matching funds and spending limits.
It seems to me that if Dean or Kerry win the nomination, they'll be able to spend as much as they want up until the convention because they have elected to forego matching funds and therefore have no spending limits.
However, if Clark or Edwards (or anyone else for that matter) win the nomination, they are subject to a spending cap up until the nomination because they have accepted matching funds. If that is the case, and if they have spent a ton of money to win the bruising primary fight, their hands will be tied behind their backs against Bush up until the convention.
Would somebody who knows what they're talking about let me know if I have accurately characterized the situation, or whether I am missing something.
Thank you.