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Republican Party (United States)

Florida Proves to be a Bountiful Cash Cow for Presidential Candidates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Florida has emerged as a critical state in the early months of campaigning, with presidential candidates raking in significant funds from the state. According to the latest financial reports, Texas Gov. George W. Bush has raised a record $37 million, with nearly $3 million coming from Floridians. This is the third-highest donation total for Bush, behind his home state and California.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bush reported raising a record $37 million for his GOP bid, with nearly $3 million coming from Floridians.
  • Florida was the third-highest donor state for Bush, behind his home state and California.
  • Bush's campaign has more than $30 million in the bank, with an average contribution of $467 from over 74,000 contributors.
  • Vice President Al Gore raised $19.5 million, with more than $1 million coming from the Sunshine State, making Florida his fourth most-generous state.
  • Former Sen. Bill Bradley reported raising $11.7 million, with Florida contributing $441,285, including $21,183 from the Tampa Bay area.
  • Bradley's campaign has received over $240,000 in contributions through its website, utilizing the web to engage new supporters.
  • Dole reported raising $3.5 million during the first six months of the year, including $2.8 million between April and June, with $121,860 from Florida, and $8,250 from the Tampa area.
  • Dole's campaign has reported that 43 percent of those contributing at least $200 were women.
  • Former Vice President Dan Quayle aims to raise about $3.4 million, while Sen. John McCain plans to raise $4.1 million, plus $2 million transferred from his Senate campaign account.
  • Steve Forbes has contributed $6 million of his own money between April and June and raised an additional $2.7 million, leaving his campaign $200,000 in debt.

Statistics:

  • Bush has raised over $37 million, with an average contribution of $467 from over 74,000 contributors.
  • Florida contributed $3 million to Bush's campaign, making it the third-highest donor state.
  • Gore raised $19.5 million, with over $1 million coming from Florida.
  • Bradley raised $11.7 million, with Florida contributing $441,285.
  • Dole raised $3.5 million during the first six months of the year, with $121,860 from Florida.
  • Forbes contributed $6 million of his own money and raised an additional $2.7 million.
  • Bush spent only $7.1 million during the first six months of the year, compared to Forbes' $8.2 million.

Sources:

  • FECInfo
  • Bush's financial reports
  • Gore's financial reports
  • Bradley's financial reports
  • Dole's financial reports
  • Quayle's financial reports
  • McCain's financial reports
  • Forbes' financial reports

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