Romney has loaned himself nearly $9M, which, when subtracted from his $12M cash-on-hand, would suggest that receipts in have not kept pace with disbursements, generally, which have totaled more than $32M. Romney donors said that they had been told that Romney was prepared to spend another $5M to keep his campaign's budget intact. They give a range of $10M to $12M for individual contributions in the third quarter.If this is true that Fred Thompson is barely ahead of John McCain in the fundraising department, it certainly does not bode well for Team Thompson. Even considering that Thompson has not revved up the engine throughout the third quarter, he should have been able to reach out and tap the primary network of contributors for a big initial flush of cash. Either his network isn't very big, or the enthusiasm with which his campaign has been received will receive a cold shower.John McCain will raise between $4 and $5M; Fred Thompson will probably raise around $6M.
Add this to the common wisdom that Fred is a little lazy and this may blow up into a serious obstacle for the campaign. It's not even about the money, it's the perception of being a inflatable candidate: If he goes up like a balloon, he may be easy to pop.
This doesn't mean anything to John McCain of course, in practicality, he's still over, even if he's raised a couple more million that I expected. But for Romney and Giuliani, it's a sigh of relief if they can pile up a huge cash advantage. They can then use that if needed to buy marketing to counter a grassroots Fred effort. Think Kerry vs. Dean in 2004 and you got it.
The Democratic fundraising preview can be summed up like this: Hillary has raised gobs of money and has more than enough not only to fend off her challengers, but has long since started collecting money for the general election.
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 3)
31. The CNN GOP debate tonight in Florida shows the real winner and that was Mitt Romney.He was strong on Supporting our Military Service Men and Women,Im migration,Economy,Dealing with captive Terrorists(Murderers) of US citizens,Family Values,Abortion and Marriages only between a Man and a Woman.Mitt Romney was more Honest with his answers throughout the debate tonight.I thought suggestions from MIke Huckabee to abolished the IRS Department was not a serious answer.One or two Youtube videos were little bit off purpose but after all it was a good debate.
Pen at 6:55PM on Nov 30th 2007
32. John McCain really disappointed tonight with his ongoing TEMPER in responding to Mitt Romneys' comment on TORTURE.Sir Senator you're not running for a United Nation post to keep bringing up the Geneva Convention Playbook.This is the United States of America Presidents job according to the Constitution.
KaM at 12:33PM on Nov 29th 2007
33. Mike Huckabee is the real Judah Iscariot and he really need to stop the hypocrite about his Christian person because he did things that honest and true Christian wouldn't do and that is breaking the law by making his own law on illegal immigrants.Come on you minister or whatever you're no Gods person you belong to Satan and hell like most of your idiots and fools in your church.You put on a fake immage to manipulate Americans believing you have the solution? You don't have nothing except a lying tongue.Look you said yoy have a degree in theology tell me how do you deal with people breaking the law huh,help them break more laws what an idiot.If you know people doing the wrong thing teach them to do the right thing by showing them where to begin and thats' how you help correct people and the world not adding more to the problem do you uderstand Sir? Stop it,stop your ignorant ideas it doesn't do any good to this nation and its' economic future.Let me teach you how to be a Christian,you can be a very nice person doing good to all men in accordance with the Spirit of the Law of your nation or country ok? When an illegal comes to you for a bribe tell him or her "NO" but I can show you the right way because I'm a Christian and we don't do bad things overhere look go back to your country and come back the right way and I'll help you,simple Mr Huckabee it's not a burden to say the right thing but don't play the Christan card because it doesn't add up.I hope America will understand the hypocrisy of this candidate in Mike Huckabee.
KaM at 1:18PM on Nov 29th 2007
34. His campaign is going really bad…he should be ahead of them all right now.
I am confused……maybe he is trying not to peak to early.
www.voterudy08.com
Aaron at 6:18PM on Dec 14th 2007
35. Mike Huckabee and Hugo Chavez have something in common.They both called President Bush names talking about insulting the President of the United States.It seems like the H factor is not a very good thing as the name of these two prominent figures both start with the leter H.Hugo Chavez called President Bush at his United Nation Speech the "Devil" while Huckabee called him "Arrogant bunker mentality".
KaM at 1:39AM on Dec 19th 2007
36. There is a man name Mike last name Huckabee.As governor he tried to be Jesus and pardon so many criminals including twelves(12)murderer.The only problem is Jesus Christ never pardon any murderer not even the least criminal.On Mt Golgotha as he was crucified the Lord and Savior of mankind Jesus Christ said to the other prisoner that was on the cross next to him today I meet with you in Paradise.Jesus Christ didn't say today you are free to go home.Even at the gate of death the Lord and Savior continue to remind the prisoner that justice must be met.
Jor at 8:59PM on Dec 25th 2007
37. SOunds like they AOL need to update this article, or take it offline. RON PAUL blows them all away with small donations but millions, close to $20million the last quarter. The largest amount in history for two times now over a two days. He is the leader. My vote goes to the smartest and most outstanding guy, that is Ron Paul!
Christian at 11:07PM on Dec 26th 2007
38. Todays' tragic news on the asassination of Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto give American something to think about in seven more days before the Iowa caucuses on Janurary 3rd 2008.Is the rhetoric from the same corrupt politician the like of Hilliary clinton,John McCain,Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee now running for president of the United States change anything within the Islamic Terrorists world? I can tell you the answer is a big NO,but there is an opportunity for a more effective and workable solution to return peace and solidarity among the people of Pakistan with the right presidential candidate in the White House.It cannot be solve by a popularity or celebrity type of politician nor by a taughtalk,heroic or a holier attitude.The Muslim world is a Religion and a culture first and foremost to the Pakistanis and throughout the entire Middle East the idea of a carrot and a stick style of diplomacy and solution is a lost in the jungle in the end.The answer is an effective communicator with the right stuff ready to offer the Islamic world they can see as clear as the pearl in the middle of the ocean and promise them good forever.There is no better candidate I can think of than Mitt Romney the Turnaround Architect and an exellent Comunicator with a vast knowledge in executive and leadership capabilities that can work well with foreign leaders friends and foes.There is a lot of "if,when,and I" that float around the campaign trail among the candidates Democrats and Republican only aim at voters but that doesn't gives us any confirmation that they are the right type of candidate can best deal with the Pakistan tragic and painful lost in Benazir Bhutto and in dealing with President Musharrafs'leadership.My pick for the next President of the United State that can best handle and deal with serious situation is Governor Mitt Romney.
KaM at 10:54AM on Dec 29th 2007