And federal election rules say that a candidate who uses the matching funds as collateral cannot withdraw from the system.

CNN: McCain attacks Obama for opting out of public financing

To be fair, Ms Lamont acknowledges that central government, which provides the funds, cannot withdraw from taking an interest in outcomes.

BBC: Planning for the future

Cash in a qualified retirement account loses all the benefits of its liquidity when you cannot withdraw it without paying a penalty.

WSJ: The Experts: Should You Keep Cash in Your Portfolio?