The Bush and Kerry campaigns have sought clarification from the Federal Election Commission on fund-raising rules to prepare for a potential ballot recount in the November elections. The Bush campaign, in a letter made public Wednesday, argued that fund-raising laws allowed unlimited contributions by individuals to a recount fund, as was the case in 2000. The Kerry campaign sought clarification on the issue earlier, and the FEC is expected to issue its opinion Sept. 30.

In 2000, both Bush and Gore raised money to cover recount costs from individual donations, while corporate gifts were barred. Since then, major reforms to campaign finance laws have taken effect, blocking unlimited donations to the campaigns. The FEC has more on campaign finance laws. AP has more.