Should Obama Help Clinton Pay Her Campaign Debt?
Hillary Clinton addresses a crowd of supporters in Eleanor, West Virginia.
Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesIn order to keep her presidential pursuit afloat, Hillary Clinton has loaned her campaign nearly $12 million of her own money. But unless she's able to raise that amount and repay herself before the Democratic National Convention, Clinton will have to claim it as a loss.
Now, as part of a Clinton-Obama "olive branch" deal, (which would likely include Clinton withdrawing from the race), Obama would help Clinton discharge some of her debt. It's not as unusual as it may sound.
Some Obama supporters were initially skittish about the idea. But the New York Times clarifies how it would work:
"If Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton would happen to broker a deal to help pay off her campaign debts -- this remains a big if, aides said, because nothing has been formally discussed -- the money would not be taken from Mr. Obama's campaign account. Instead, he would have to make a fund-raising appeal on her behalf, asking people to contribute."
And Thomas Edsall further explains:
"Under federal campaign finance law, the Obama campaign cannot directly pay off Clinton's debts, or the $11.43 million she has loaned the campaign, because that would violate campaign contribution limits. But if Obama is the nominee, he and his donor base could provide invaluable help to her in raising money through signed appeals, joint fundraisers and by other methods."
So ... should Obama help pay Clinton's campaign debt? If so, how?
Tags: Barack Obama | Election 2008 | Hillary Clinton | Obama Help Clinton Pay Her Campaign Debt | campaign debt | politics
12:03 PM ET | 05-12-2008 | permalink
