Consider Dean vs. Bush. Despite turning down matching funds, there is no way that Dean will have as much money as Bush. The problem is in the date of the conventions. Once the Democratic convention occurs in July, Dean will accept federal money and we can no longer donate directly to the campaign. At that point, the total amount that Dean has collected will be known. Bush will then have two months to get his supporters to donate against Dean`s total. They will use scare tactics, or want to show that they can bury him with their money, or whatever, but that is the genius of setting their convention in September. No matter what, they will have oodles more money than the Democrat. Unless of course Bush is sinking like a stone. Or Dean takes in 500 million in donations.
THERE`S MORE ON CLARK, and a POLL
Now consider Clark vs. Bush. Clark will have a dead period between April and July. He will be limited to 45 million for the whole primary campaign. Is this an unsurmountable barrier? Or does it matter, since Bush is going to swamp the Democratic nominee, no matter who it is?
Given this situation, I have three questions.
Is there a way that Dean comes out with more money than Bush?
Does it matter if Bush has oodles more money than Dean? or Clark?
Is the matching fund difference between Dean and Clark neutralized at all by the deadline difference between Dean and Bush?