what happens to candidate's money when they drop out of the race?

[pruner]

assuming that the campaign's debt does not exceed cash on hand, what happens to the extra money?

I'm pretty sure they can't just give it to another candidate, but I may be wrong.

can they transfer it to the DNC?

can they transfer it to their personal bank account?

[Cha]

1. I was wondering that, too!

[jenk]

2. I think they can keep it

though the noble thing to do would be donate it.

[ShaneGR]

3. Actually very common to keep the money for next election

It is legal to transfer money from one federal campaign committee, where the election has ended, to another federal campaign committee (Same candidate.)

[JVS]

4. Coke binge!

:party:

[incapsulated]

5. They keep it!

Which is pretty outrageous, imho.

We donate money to campaigns not for the personal use of the candidate.

[pruner]

6. is there one rule for all types of campaigns or does it vary?

are presidential primary campaigns subject to the same laws (in this regard) as all federal election campaigns?

are there differences between federal campaigns and statewide campaigns?

[incapsulated]

7. Interesting article

http://www.jrn.columbia.edu/studentwork/election/2000/uptown2000/code/finan.html

I do remember hearing that some funds could be kept. Maybe it was for presidential candidates. I will google.

[incapsulated]

8. Ok, I figured it out

It is the State elections that can have no limits on personal use of campaign monies. Obviously it varies state by state.

Lawmakers Allowed To Use Campaign Contributions On Personal Expenses (North Carolina)

http://www.wral.com/news/2439839/detail.html

[Hippo_Tron]

9. I don't see why they shouldn't be ALLOWED to keep it...

Although I'd think that any decent candidate would do something useful with it so as not to piss off his/her supporters.