Dean shuns federal cash in campaign

By Glen Justice
The New York Times

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Dean, who has raised $25 million to become the best-financed Democrat in the race, will rely on private contributors to fuel his campaign in the primaries, turning away almost $19 million in taxpayer financing and avoiding the spending limit of about $45 million that comes with it.

The move is an effort to outspend Democratic rivals and to compete next year with President Bush, who declined matching money and aims to raise as much as $200 million despite facing no Republican challenger.

It increases the likelihood that other Democrats now considering a departure from the system, such as Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts and retired Gen. Wesley Clark, may take the same approach.

Dean's announcement followed an online and telephone survey of supporters last week. Early counts showed about 85 percent of the 105,000 who responded supported opting out, aides said.

"Our supporters are saying let's go toe to toe with George Bush," said Joe Trippi, Dean's campaign manager.

Few Democrats challenged the need to bulk up financially against Bush. Many fear that a Democratic nominee will emerge from the primaries out of money, only to run into a barrage of television advertisements paid for by the Bush campaign until fresh financing comes after the conventions. The Democrats' convention begins July 26 and the Republicans' Aug. 30.

Both Bush and his Democratic challenger are expected to take the $74.4 million in matching money for the general election.

Dean has stressed the need to compete with Bush, whom he says is beholden to special interests and contributors who give the maximum $2,000. He contrasts this to his campaign, which is primarily financed by small donors.

Republican National Committee chairman, Ed Gillespie, has challenged Dean to extend his criticism of special interests to Democratic groups as well.

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