Campaign Finance

What were the spending limits for Presidential candidates who accept public funds in the 2008 elections?

Candidates who accept public funds must agree to abide by certain spending limits.  During the primaries, these candidates are subject to an overall expenditure limit and separate limits for each state.  During the general election campaign, the spending limit is equal to the amount of the public funding grant the major party nominees may receive.  

Where does the money come from?

The public funding of Presidential elections is not financed by a standard Congressional appropriation. Instead, the program is funded by the three dollar checkoff that appears on federal income tax forms.