Last Friday, an article by the Associated Press detailed Sen. John McCain's (R-AZ) plans to follow the new FEC ruling by returning private funds upon winning the Republican nomination. Again, like Obama, McCain would only do this if his opponent agreed to do so as well. The fact that McCain, arguably a Republican front-runner, so quickly after the FEC ruling announced his intentions to opt into the public financing system speaks to the pressure that the other candidates may feel to do the same. Put simply, no candidate wants to be seen as unethical or against "clean elections."

It will be interesting to see what the other candidates will do, given this new FEC ruling. A Washington Post editorial urges the presidential candidates who support public financing "to put real commitment behind their rhetoric." Now is the perfect opportunity for candidates to give public financing more than just lip-service by publicly announcing their intentions to do what Obama and McCain have pledged to do. According to the editorial, John Edward's and Rudy Giuliani's campaigns did not respond to questions concerning how they might change the way they fund their campaigns in light of the FEC decision. Hillary Clinton's campaign said it will consider the option carefully - a huge move given that six weeks ago her decision to forego public funds appeared to kill public financing for 2008.

The FEC decision is hugely momentous as it will shape, and potentially halt, the never-ending fundraising race that was expected of the 2008 presidential election. It will be interesting to see how candidates might adjust their funding strategy to a more ethical one that is free from the influence of wealthy contributors. Hopefully the FEC decision will ignite discussion about public financing, both in presidential and congressional elections.