Testing the waters

In the United States, the phrase testing the waters is used to describe someone who is exploring the feasibility of becoming a candidate for political office.

"Testing the waters" activities are to be paid for with candidate-permissible funds. Once an individual begins to campaign or decides to become a candidate, funds that were raised or spent to "test the waters" apply to the $5,000 threshold for qualifying as a candidate. This is because there is a federal law that once an individual raises or spends $5,000 for a campaign, they are required to register as a federal candidate. Once that threshold is exceeded, the individual must register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) (candidates for the United States House of Representatives) or the Secretary of the Senate (candidates for the United States Senate), and begin to file reports (including in the first report all activity that occurred prior to reaching the $5,000 threshold).

Once an individual registers as a federal candidate, election restrictions apply, including 2,700 dollars on contributions. Also, once registered as a candidate, individuals cannot coordinate with political action committees (PACs) or Super PACs under campaign finance law.

Testing the Waters

Testing the Waters is the debut album by American rap group Thirsty Fish, released March 5, 2007 on Bell Rang Records in affiliation with Project Blowed.

Release

The water-themed album comes after Thirsty Fish member Dumbfoundead released a previous concept album in 2005, the video game themed Super Barrio Bros EP which features Psychosiz of Thirsty Fish on the track "Three Pipes Down" and Thirsty Fish's Open Mike Eagle on the track "Bosses" (alongside Alpha MC). All three members of the group appear on that album's bonus track "Shit Talkers".

Reception

Generally regarded as a solid debut with average to above average ratings from consumers and above average to exceptional ratings from reviewers, Thirsty Fish have since been signed to Mush Records to produce a second album, Watergate. In spite of this, however, a recurring criticism is the group's overuse of the water theme.

Track listing

References

External links