Testing the waters


In the United States, the phrase testing the waters is used to describe someone who is exploring the feasibility of becoming a candidate for political office.
"Testing the waters" activities are to be paid for with candidate-permissible funds. 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. This is because there is a federal law that once an individual raises or spends $5,000 for a campaign, they are required to register as a federal candidate. Once that threshold is exceeded, the individual must register with the Federal Election Commission or the Secretary of the Senate, and begin to file reports.
Once an individual registers as a federal candidate, election restrictions apply, including 2,700 dollars on contributions. Also, once registered as a candidate, individuals cannot coordinate with political action committees or Super PACs under campaign finance law.

Reporting on "testing the waters"

On July 1st, it was reported that Nancy Rotering allegedly received donations for her congressional campaign in excess of $5,000 as early as January and did not officially register as a candidate with the FEC until March.
On June 18, 2015, it was reported that Scott Walker had formed a "testing the waters" committee.
On June 4, 2015, it as reported that the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan legal organization, filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission against Democrat Martin O’Malley and Republicans Jeb Bush, Rick Santorum and Scott Walker alleging violations of federal law “testing the waters.”
On June 3, 2015, it was reported that as of June 3, Jeb Bush was still "testing the waters", and had not registered as a federal candidate.
On April 9, 2015, it was reported that Rick Santorum set up a "testing the waters" account.