Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer became eligible Thursday to receive taxpayer money for his campaign, the Federal Election Commission announced Friday.
Roemer, a long-shot candidate seeking the Republican nomination, became the first of the 2012 field to qualify for federal matching funds by meeting a series of requirements set out by the FEC.
From the start of his campaign, the former governor vowed not to accept help from “super PAC” contributions, or from big-money donors. He believes the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision opened a flood-gate of improper influence of corporations and wealthy political activists.
“Both parties spend the majority of their time raising money — up to 70%. This is not the republic our framers intended,” he tweeted upon hearing the news from the FEC.
He became eligible by raising $5,000 in 20 states from donations of $250 or less from individuals, agreeing to spending limits, using taxpayer money for “legitimate campaign-related expenses,” keeping financial records and allowing the FEC to audit his campaign.
By qualifying, the Roemer campaign may receive matching funds from the U.S. Treasury through the presidential public funding program. Citizens fund the program by checking off a $3 box on their individual income tax returns.
The FEC has allotted over $17.6 million each for the Republican and Democratic conventions. (RELATED: Roemer calls ‘bullshit’ on the politicians)
“The Commission estimates that each general election nominee will be eligible for a grant of approximately $91.2 million,” the FEC wrote in a statement.
Roemer’s donations came from Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.