Kerry Considers Rejecting Public Funds

Associated Press ^ | 11-09-03

[Brian S]

Sunday November 9, 2003 8:16 PM

JENNIFER C. KERR

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Look for a decision this week from Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry on whether he will reject public campaign financing now that rival Howard Dean has decided to turn aside taxpayer money and the spending limits that come with it.

``We're going to make our decision over the course of the next day or so,'' Kerry told CBS' ``Face the Nation.''

The Massachusetts senator railed against Dean's announcement on Saturday, saying that the former Vermont governor ``has taken a very different road than Democrats have stood for as a matter of principle.''

Chiding Dean, Kerry said, ``I don't think that President Bush's money was as intimidating as Governor Dean wants to believe it was, because it's mostly special-interest money.''

Only a few months ago, Kerry said, Dean was telling other candidates in the race that he would abide by spending limits for the party's primary season, and that it would be ``terrible'' if his fellow Democrats did not do the same.

``Now he's changed his position,'' Kerry said.

Throughout the campaign, Kerry said, he has been consistent, making clear that if Dean opted out, he would be prepared to do the same. ``Now, whether I will or not, I'll make that decision. But I'm prepared to.''

Dean is the first Democratic presidential candidate ever to reject taxpayer money. He told supporters he backs public financing, but was forced to act in order to be competitive against Bush, who is also going without public funds in the Republican primaries, even though he has no opponent.

Bush did the same thing in the 2000 GOP primaries and raised a record $100-plus million.

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark is also considering such a step this year.

[buffyt]

I guess "momma" is going to put up the funds?

[billorites]

"Teresa! Teresa, pick up the phone! Teresa, I know you're there. Pick up the phone please!"

[OldFriend]

Not sure Momma can contribute to Kerry's campaign. It would have to be joint money, not her own personal funds.....if I am not mistaken.

[Texas Eagle]

Not sure Momma can contribute to Kerry's campaign. It would have to be joint money...

Well, during the DemocRAT Debate of the Week the other night, Kerrey did say he smoked pot.

But seriously, since when have DemocRATS ever let a little thing like "the rules" get in the way of their fund-raising efforts?

[zencat]

Seems like whatever Dean does, Kerry follows.

The blind leading the blind.

[Plutarch]

``Now, whether I will or not, I'll make that decision. But I'm prepared to.''

"I mean, I married the B*tch, didn't I?"

[Lil'freeper]

Monkey see, monkey do.

[OldFriend]

Dean made some nasty remark about Kerry needing his wife's money.

Dean is such a vicious punk.

Makes me want to slap him upside the head!!!!

[Az Joe]

Of course he's gonna "opt out".

Then he is gonna blitz NH with anti-Dean ads for months. He will, that is, if he wants to have any chance of winning the nom.

[VOYAGER]

Dean is the first Democratic presidential candidate ever to reject taxpayer money.

He told supporters he backs public financing, but was forced to act in order to be competitive against Bush, who is also going without public funds in the Republican primaries, even though he has no opponent.

It appears to me as if Dean is not sure of his base support and needs to have a vote of confidence from his 'supporters' by his decision to back off the hog trough.

This drastic ploy is very UnDem Lib activity and is for a leftist like Dean a weeny political death wish.

This guy is a wannabe contender for the presidency and will fold when the real backstabbing campaigning gets hot and heavy.

I've no doubt he is a man after Clinton's own lying heart but lacks the stamina.

[river rat]

You can just see the loosely pent up hatred in Dean..

His lip curls when he mentions President Bush....and refers to those that have fattened the President's campaign fund as "cronies".

Dean is going to self destruct before our eyes and the cameras before this is over....

Semper Fi

[Congressman Billybob]

This article says the "what" but not the "why." My column this week explains the "why" of the Dean rejection of public funding, and also why the consideration of the same tactic in response by Kerry, Clark and perhaps others, proves the point.

Dean is playing table-stakes poker to knock out all possible opponents early in the game. The others recognize this and may be forced into the same game, even though they have far less money on hand than Dean. Click below for the explanation of the strategy.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, "The 2004 Election is Over, Now," discussion thread. IF YOU WANT A FREEPER IN CONGRESS, CLICK HERE.

[Theodore R.]

So should we boycott Heinz Ketchup to protest the Kerry candidacy?

[areafiftyone]

My God don't any of these candidates have a mind of their own? As soon as one candidate does something the others follow like little puppy dogs! That's pretty scary!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Imagine the sound of the last squirt of ketchup from the plastic squeeze bottle...

[johnb838]

Much as I hate to say anything nice about x42, at least he had a sense of humor. At least he had a personality. At least he could pretend to be charming. Dean is just a nasty sourpuss commie.

[OldFriend]

The media is torn. They don't want to harm a demonrat but they know he has no chance of being elected.