WASHINGTON -- Sen. Joe Biden is seeking contributions and accepting federal matching funds to cover a $2.2 million debt incurred by his abandoned presidential campaign, according to his staff.
Biden, D-Del., must repay about $1.3 million he borrowed from Bank of America by September (Yikes! By September!). Biden also owes vendors and consultants, including his former pollster, communications director, political consultant and his son's law firm, Oldaker, Biden and Belair, according to his latest report to the Federal Election Commission.
All campaign staff members have been paid and reimbursed for expenses, said Biden spokesman Alexander Snyder-Mackler on Monday. Vendors and consultants will be paid "as money is received," he said.
Biden's latest FEC report showed he ended January with $1.7 million on hand. But $1.2 million of that money can't be applied to his debt because it was designated for the general election. (That sucks about the $1.2 mil)
The campaign staff is contacting donors to determine whether they want a refund or they would like to redesignate the money for his 2008 Senate campaign.
Though Biden has not made a formal announcement, Snyder-Mackler said Biden will run for re-election. He currently is serving his sixth term.
Attorney Joe Hurley of Wilmington said he signed over his presidential campaign donation to Biden's Senate campaign after receiving a request from the campaign.
Hurley said he is still hoping Biden will have a shot at becoming secretary of state in the next administration.
"The experience and knowledge he has is wasted as one of 100," said Hurley, who has known Biden since grade school.
Biden dropped out of the presidential campaign Jan. 3 after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses. He had raised $8.3 million during his campaign, not including the loans or the $1.9 million he transferred from his Senate account earlier last year.
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