First, let me assure you (to your great relief, I'm sure ) that I have no aspiration to run for an elected political office.

However, I do have a question about how campaign funds may be used.

Suppose I'm a blue collar worker, like a mechanic. I make maybe $30,000 a year (I don't know if that's realistic, but presume it is for the sake of argument).

Now obviously, if I'm out campaigning for office, I can't turn wrenches and make money. And if I can't earn, I'm not going to be able to support my family.

So my question is this:

Are political candidates for office allowed to draw a salary from the contributions they receive, for the "work" they do while campaigning, and is there a limit to how much of those contributions may be used to fund that salary?

No.

Yes, they can draw a salary from campaign contributions.

Limited to the salary of the job they previously held or the office they are seeking, whichever is less.

This is from the FEC for congress and POTUS.

Well. Ok. I guess that's answered.

Um.....not exactly.

Well. Ok. I guess that's answered.