Dean Keeps Options Open on Campaign Funds

[pruner]

Tuesday October 14, 2003 12:01 AM
By SHARON THEIMER

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Presidential hopeful and prolific Internet fund-raiser Howard Dean is taking another step toward possibly becoming the first Democrat to opt out of public financing. Newcomer Wesley Clark's campaign said Monday that he also is weighing whether to skip it.

In the latest sign Dean may forego public campaign money and the accompanying spending limits, the former Vermont governor has begun gathering signatures to get on the North Carolina primary ballot.

Candidates who accept public financing automatically qualify for a spot on the state's ballot; those who do not must collect at least 10,000 signatures from party members in the state, said Don Wright, a state Board of Elections spokesman.

<snip>

Clark began his campaign last month and raised at least $3.5 million in his first two weeks. He is waiting to see how his fund raising progresses before deciding whether to accept matching funds. In the meantime, he also is gathering the contributions needed to qualify for public money, spokesman Matt Bennett said.

<snip>

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3260267,00.html

[Cha]

1. Good ...Keep your "options Open", and your mind Clear!

WE're gonna beat those neo cons! :kick:

[PartyPooper]

2. Yes, we *must* beat them next year!

Otherwise, we're in for more of a whole lotta trouble.

Go Dean!

:dem:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

3. Why Are People So Forgiving of Dean's Flip-Flops

While being so unforgiving of Clark's?

In March, Dean said he would definitely take public financing and would make it an issue if other Democrats didn't, but that was before his campaign began seeing a multimillion-dollar flood of donations through the Internet.

I'm just sayin'.

DTH

[Cha]

5. Gawd ..some People are so stuck in Ruts...I can't believe it.

Things change ..you either get with the program or you get
left holding the proverbial bag.

We are out to win.. not to be beholden to what might have worked
in March!

[DoveTurnedHawk]

6. So Integrity Doesn't Matter To You?

You know, that small thing about standing by the word you gave seven months ago?

In March, Dean said he would definitely take public financing and would make it an issue if other Democrats didn't

If all you care about is winning, then you should really consider Clark. The polls and common sense dictate that he has the best shot against Bush.

DTH

[Julien Sorel]

7. So it was OK in March for Dean to be prepared to attack

candidates who refused matching funds, but now anyone who attacks Dean for it is 'stuck in a rut.' Howard Dean, the waterwalker, strikes again.

[Upfront]

10. Supporters Like You

are Clarks worst problem. Quit ripping the other guy, he may be your President. Maybe you prefer Bush.*

[w4rma]

8. The difference is the importance of the issues involved to primary voters

A change of position on whether to try to raise enough funds to compete against Bush's $200+ million is much different from a two day flip-flop on whether Clark would have voted on the IWR or not.

That IWR vote, like it or not, has been one of the most, if not the most, important issues in the Democratic primary.

While folks see the decision to try to raise more funds than federal matching funds caps allow, as the best tactical decision in trying to beat Bush. It doesn't say anything about Dean's policies (he supports campaign finance reforms), but it does say something about his hardcore electorial strategies.

Clark on whether he'd have voted on the IWR and Dean's response
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=401401

[Upfront]

9. I Forgive Clark

Just so you know, here is one Dean backer who forgives Clark his flip flops. The more I think about it and learn about him, the more I want him on the ticket as VP. I would work for him should he win the top spot. Dean people do not hate Clark, we just want Dean to be our President.:)

[Copperred]

4. Spread the Word....the Americans are coming back....

A recent chat to take to heart as we take on the darkness:
-------------------

Sneak: there has been recent news that saddam is still alive
Serendip: doesnt matter
Serendip: dead or alive
Serendip: none of it matters
Serendip: that is a true distraction
Sneak: good point
Serendip: anyway
Serendip: dont take all my negativity to hard...i have been here for nine months
Sneak: lol
Serendip: i love my country...cuz certain groups do actually know what the world is about.
Serendip: there is only one reason anyone in the world should ever feel superior to another
Serendip: and even then it is with grace and understanding
Serendip: and that is intellectual superiority.....vs. debate...or science.
Serendip: and there are still strong pockets of americans who feel that way...and that is the base american value system.
Serendip: if u can sacrafice your color and your religion....it truly gets no higher than that.
Sneak: well put

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The Crusade to Save America from the Dark