Q: It’s been reported that Hillary Clinton’s campaign may raise $1.5 billion. If, for any reason, she doesn’t complete the campaign, what happens to that money?
—Ray White, Woodstock
A: Candidates have several options if they have leftover money at the end of a campaign, but they can't put those funds toward personal use, a practice that ended with the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. Remaining campaign funds, which are monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC.gov), often are used to pay bills or pay off debt (often to consultants or attorneys), but candidates also can give the funds to a charity, a political party or another candidate.
John Kerry and George W. Bush donated leftover primary money to the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee in 2004. After debt is paid, candidates can use any remaining funds to help finance a future campaign.
Q: Is the actor who does the Farmers Insurance commercials on TV the same actor who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor this year?
—Julianne Earwood, Dallas
A: J.K. Simmons, who has portrayed professor Nathaniel Burke in the Farmers Insurance commercials since 2010, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as demanding conductor Terence Fletcher in "Whiplash." Simmons also is known for playing J. Jonah Jameson in the recent "Spider-Man" films, psychiatrist Emil Skoda on "Law & Order" and Vernon Schillinger in HBO's "Oz," among many other roles. Simmons also won a Golden Globe for his performance in "Whiplash."
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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