By Richard E Walrath

Former Senator John Edwards recently announced he will accept public financing for his campaign. 

What does that mean?

Campaign contributions are private funding from individuals, groups, PAC’s, firms, unions, and so on. 

Public financing is provided by the government part of which comes from the check-off box when people file their income taxes–$3. 

I’m not sure how much is now provided a candidate under the existing campaign funding laws. But whatever the amount, that’s all a candidate can spend if he/she accepts public financing.  The FEC website provides all the answers to the campaign financing questions.

If the candidate chooses not to accept public financing, there is no limit to how much he/she can spend if it’s raised privately.