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TESTING THE WATERS

An individual who merely "tests the waters" (i.e., travels around the state or district to see if there is sufficient support for his or her candidacy, etc., but does not campaign for office) does not have to register or report as a candidate even if the individual raises or spends more than $5,000 — the dollar threshold that would normally trigger candidate registration. Nevertheless, the individual must comply with the contribution limits and prohibitions.

Once an individual begins to campaign or decides to become a candidate, funds that were raised or spent to test the waters apply to the $5,000 threshold for qualifying as a candidate. Once that threshold is exceeded, the individual must register with the Federal Election Commission (candidates for the House of Representatives) or the Secretary of the Senate (candidates for the Senate), and begin to file reports.

Testing the Waters vs. Campaigning for Office

Click here to return to the home page of the Unity Party of America's Candidate’s Campaign Guide (adapted from the Federal Election Commission's Campaign Guide for Congressional Candidates and Committees May 2004 Edition) - your online resource for United States federal campaign finance law and US federal election law, regardless of your political party affiliations as a candidate for federal office.

The Unity Party of America Unity Party Origins Unity Party Platform Iraq War Memorial Honoring America's Fallen Money Matters - Contribute Today! Candidates' Corner US Congress Constitution of the United States of America Draft Arnold Schwarzenegger/Amend for Jen Bill's Blog on Writing, Running, and Politics - Notes from the Chairman The UPA's Unity Runners - Running for Unity UPA Bumper Stickers, T-Shirts, and More Email the Unity Party Today!

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