You are correct when you say that there is no spending limit. I think one of the problems candidates may face is more likely to be with respect to funding their expenses. Because they are not allowed to receive funds if they are affiliated with a party—if they are independent, they are entitled to more, but if they are affiliated with a party, they cannot receive funds directly from the party—they have no choice but to engage in fund raising, in order to cover their consultation expenses.
There are some provisions in the bill that take that problem into account. That is why, in my presentation, I tried to bring out the fact that it is difficult to draw a line the sand exactly in the right place, and that this must be carefully considered.
One of the bill's provisions allows nominees to begin collecting contributions on the last day of the consultation. So, the day after the consultation, a nominee can begin collecting contributions, which distinguishes him quite clearly from someone running in an election, who is unable to do that. He can also issue income tax receipts from that day onward. So, there is a certain amount of flexibility given in terms of financing and fundraising. Is it enough? Time alone will tell. It is very difficult to anticipate the cost of a Senate campaign.
The other dimension that I wanted to raise with you is that parties can provide goods and services. They cannot provide funding. That suggests that a party could provide staff, equipment, transportation and other services or goods of that nature in order to assist the nominee.