FEC Says Kucinich Qualifies for Funding
Originally published in Newsday
FEC Says Kucinich Qualifies for Funding
By Associated Press
December 24, 2003, 2:41 PM EST
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Election Commission has declared Rep. Dennis Kucinich qualified to receive federal matching funds, making the Ohio congressman eligible for up to $18.6 million, the FEC said Wednesday.
Candidates must meet FEC requirements to qualify, including raising a threshold amount of $100,000 by collecting $5,000 in 20 different states in amounts no greater than $250 from any individual. They also must agree to an overall spending limit, abide by spending limits in each state, use public funds only for legitimate campaign-related expenses, keep financial records, and permit an extensive campaign audit.
The FEC said in a statement that Kucinich contributions from the following states were verified for threshold purposes: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Of the nine Democrats seeking the nomination, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and Sen. John Kerry have decided not to seek matching funds. President Bush also has declined to accept federal funding.
Beginning in January, the U.S. Treasury Department will pay FEC-certified amounts to qualified campaigns.
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Frustrated with Democratic presidential candidates who "pimp the church," the pastor of a black church in Portsmouth, N.H., has criticized those who would use his congregation as a backdrop for campaign photos rather than a serious discussion of issues.
"Come because you want to be here," the Rev. Arthur Hilson of New Hope Baptist Church said from the pulpit Sunday in an appeal to the candidates. "Don't come here because you want to use me or our people."
Hilson said Monday his criticism was aimed at presidential candidates whom he feels have visited the church but not truly listened to the concerns of the congregation. Photos taken during those visits can make it appear that he and his wife, Lady Hilson, endorsed the candidates, he said.
Hilson noted that a photo taken during a visit by front-runner Howard Dean appeared in an issue of Newsweek. The photo showed Dean standing beside Ms. Hilson, but the caption did not indicate the picture was taken in New Hampshire, and it was used in a story about Dean seeking the Southern African-American vote.
"When the Dean people came they said, 'Can you be at the door and have your wife with you?'" Hilson said.
A Dean campaign spokesman said he was disappointed Hilson took the occasion of Dean's visit in a way that had not been intended.
"It's very unfortunate that Reverend Hilson feels this way," said Matthew Gardner, Dean's New Hampshire press secretary. "Governor Dean very much enjoys meeting with people throughout New Hampshire, and we felt warmly received by the reverend and other members of the congregation."
Hilson said a visit by Carol Moseley Braun, in contrast, was not preceded by a request to have certain people on hand. "They simply came into the church and took seats," he said.
Hilson's church also has been visited by Sen. Joe Lieberman and Rep. Dick Gephardt.
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Dennis Kucinich and Carol Moseley Braun have failed to collect enough signatures to meet the filing deadline for Delaware's Feb. 3 primary but could appear on the ballot if they show they qualify for federal campaign funds.
The Kucinich campaign plans to give state election officials a letter stating that he qualifies for federal matching funds, which would automatically place him on the Delaware ballot. The matching funds deadline is Jan. 7.
The seven other major Democratic candidates will be listed on the Delaware ballot: Wesley Clark, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, Sen. John Edwards, Rep. Dick Gephardt, Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Joe Lieberman and Al Sharpton. The ballot also will list Lyndon LaRouche Jr., a perennial candidate who runs as a Democrat.
Delaware Election Commissioner Frank Calio said the crowded ballot suggests the state will have a hotly contested primary. Delaware ended its feud with New Hampshire this year and moved its primary to a week after voting in New Hampshire.
"I'm really pleased at the response we've gotten," Calio said. "All the major candidates made a point of getting on the ballot. That means the voters will be able to pick from the big contenders. I think that's what everyone wanted -- a primary that means something."
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