Commission certifies federal matching funds for two 2012 presidential campaigns
The Commission has certified additional federal matching funds for the 2012 primary election to the presidential campaigns of Gary Johnson and Jill Stein. These certifications are based on the agency’s review of the campaigns’ most recent matching fund submissions.
The Commission has certified Gary Johnson’s presidential campaign eligible for an additional $202,025.78 in federal matching funds. The United States Treasury Department transferred the certified amount on December 18. To date, the Commission has certified the Libertarian nominee eligible for a total of $510,260.98 in matching funds.
Previously, the Commission certified Jill Stein’s presidential campaign eligible for an additional $38,799.22 in federal matching funds. The United States Treasury Department transferred the certified amount on December 3. In total, the Commission has certified the Green Party nominee eligible for $372,130.44 in matching funds.
Stein and Johnson are two of three candidates to be declared eligible for federal matching funds in 2012. The Commission has also certified $351,961.10 in federal matching funds to Charles E. “Buddy” Roemer III for the primary.
To become eligible, candidates must raise a threshold amount of $100,000 by collecting $5,000 in 20 different states in amounts no greater than $250 from any individual. Other requirements to be declared eligible include agreeing to an overall spending limit, abiding by spending limits in each state, using public funds only for legitimate campaign-related expenses, keeping financial records and permitting an extensive campaign audit.
The presidential public funding program is financed through the $3 check-off that appears on individual income tax returns. The program has three elements: grants to parties to help fund their nominating conventions, grants available to nominees to pay for the general election campaign, and matching payments to participating candidates during the primary campaign.
Resources: