Posted on 12/20/2004 3:37:23 PM PST by hsmomx3
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The availability of federal campaign money could provide Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth a unique advantage should he run for governor in 2006.
The provision was passed as part of the 3,300-page omnibus federal spending bill and is a significant change in the 2002 campaign finance reform law sponsored by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Federal lawmakers from both parties are already considering taking advantage of the change in bids for state or local offices, according to the Washington, D.C., newsletter Roll Call.
Hayworth, who lives in Scottsdale, has previously said he may run for governor.
This year, Hayworth drained $1.1 million from his campaign coffers, despite seeing the easiest re-election bid of his 10-year congressional career. Campaign finance reports show that Hayworth still has $284,673 in cash.
The change to the finance reform law raises the question of whether Hayworth could shift his federal funds to use during a gubernatorial bid.
Hayworth spokesman Larry Van Hoose told the East Valley Tribune that the congressman never considered that possibility when voting for the spending bill because it's commonly presumed that state law forbids any transfer of federal campaign funds.
But officials in the Arizona Secretary of State's Office said last week that they had no idea if such a barrier exists.
State law caps how much money candidates can transfer into their campaigns from outside "political committees," which usually refer to political action committees. However, federal campaign dollars might be treated the same as personal donations from a candidate, and those contributions have no limits under state law.
On the Net:
J.D. Hayworth's campaign: http://jdhayworth.com
I like JD. But he should not take advantage of any loopholes that will create a campaign weakness. He should take the high road and play on a level playing field. I suspect he will not have any trouble raising money for any office he desires to run for.
"Anybody but Janet!!!"
Heard that, pardner. Fear not, the whole crew should be out safely in time for the 06 election. That's four new votes to shore up Maricopa County for y'all. The Cowboys will be riding out of the hills come November.
It remains a bit of a mystery to me how Barry Goldwater's state put a lib into office. Where I'm at, libs are about as rare as evangelicals in gay bars here in Wickenburg.
J.D. For Governor- Oh, let it be true!
Don't count out Rick Romley yet.
Hayworth definitely has the inside track, but Romley would make a great Gov, IMO.
I am anxious to hear more from Romley as well. I keep hearing on radio that Janet has very high approval numbers but I never hear who they are polling.
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