Sharpton Eighth Presidential Candidate Declared Eligible for Primary Matching Funds in 2004 Race

WASHINGTON ? Alfred C. Sharpton today became the eighth 2004 presidential candidate to be declared eligible by the Federal Election Commission to receive federal matching funds. Sharpton is seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 2004.

To become eligible for matching funds, 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.

Based on documents filed by the Sharpton campaign on January 2, 2004, contributions from the following states were verified for threshold purposes: Alabama , California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.

Once declared eligible, campaigns may submit additional contributions for matching funds on the first business day of every month. The maximum amount a candidate could receive is $18.7 million.

# # #