Presidential Hopefuls' Third-Quarter Fundraising on a Knife's Edge
As the third-quarter fundraising deadline looms, Republican presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and Rick Perry are vying to outpace each other in contributions. Both candidates are expected to clear $10 million, but the competition is fierce, with Perry's recent debate performance and loss in the Florida GOP straw poll casting a shadow over his fundraising prospects. Meanwhile, other candidates, including Rep. Michele Bachmann and Rep. Ron Paul, are also preparing to release their fundraising figures, with Bachmann's campaign facing potential financial difficulties.
Key Takeaways:
- Mitt Romney and Rick Perry are expected to clear $10 million in third-quarter fundraising, with Romney's campaign aiming for a "strong" number but unlikely to reach or exceed the $18 million raised in the previous reporting period.
- Perry's fundraising report will be closely watched, given his recent debate performance and loss in the Florida GOP straw poll.
- Rep. Michele Bachmann's campaign may face financial difficulties, with sources predicting her third-quarter report will show less than the $4 million she reported in the second quarter.
- Rep. Ron Paul's campaign, backed by a strong base and solid Iowa straw poll finish, is expected to bring in as much as $5 million in the third quarter.
- Perry's chief strategist, Dave Carney, hopes his candidate will clear $10 million, but Romney's campaign has expressed caution about reaching that figure.
Statistics:
- Expected third-quarter fundraising for Mitt Romney: $10 million ( Politico)
- Expected third-quarter fundraising for Rick Perry: $10 million (Politico)
- Romney's previous quarter fundraising: $18 million (Politico)
- Bachmann's expected third-quarter fundraising: less than $4 million (Politico)
- Paul's expected third-quarter fundraising: up to $5 million (Politico)
Sources:
- Politico: UBI, 26 Sep. 2011
- Politico: UPI, 26 Sep. 2011