Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Republican John McCain, his presidential campaign trying to climb out of dire financial straits, is eligible to receive public financing for his struggling bid, the Federal Election Commission said Tuesday.
The Arizona senator quietly requested authority to receive matching funds on Aug. 10, but his campaign said he has not decided whether he would ultimately accept the money, which could total $6 million.
“We have not made a final decision, but we are doing what’s necessary should we decide to opt into the matching-fund system,” spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said.
The FEC decision means that McCain has met the requirements to receive some amount of money. Should McCain take the cash, it would mark a major strategic shift for a candidate who for months believed he wouldn’t need public money.
The Associated Press
