Posted on 07/08/2011 6:06:54 AM PDT by ejdrapes
GOP Worried Romney's War Chest Helps Obama, Bachmann Mitt Romney crushed his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination in the money-raising race, bringing in $18.5 million in the second quarter--more than quadrupling the haul of the second place guy among candidates who don't believe our currency is counterfeit. But it still wasn't good enough for some in the GOP, report Politico's Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns, arguing that the "clear winner" of Republican fundraising was Barack Obama. American Conservative Union chief Al Cardenas told Politico he worries that the Republican candidate "will be restrained by the resources to compete in the most obvious purple states" while the Democrat is free to spend across the country. Obama's campaign won't release the money totals till July 15, but it's reported 493,697 donors--twice what his campaign had in the first half of 2007, and five times then-President Bush's donor number in 2003. But The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza and Aaron Blake suggest all is not lost. Sure, Romney didn't come close to early expectations--his campaign once aimed for $50 million in the first half of the year--but in some ways he's doing better than he did in 2007. That year, he only had $7 million more than the next-best fundraiser, Rudy Giuliani. And Romney's campaign still has $12.6 million cash on hand, which Cillizza and Blake say is impressive, given "it's always tough to raise that amount of money and not spend too much doing it--and could actually extend his edge once his rivals have to say what they have left to spend." NBC News' First Read takes note of the argument that the candidates' fundraising totals might mean a lot less since the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision freed up corporations to spend money on independent election ads. "Perhaps this is true. But ask John Kerry whether ACT's resources--ACT was the Crossroads of 2004--would have been better used by the campaign itself. When you can't coordinate, it's much more difficult." Could Romney's weaker fundraising be an opening for Michele Bachmann? Romney is giving Iowa--social conservative Michele Bachmann's home turf--a light touch in favor of going all out in New Hampshire. But The New Republic's Jonathan Chait argues that a big win in Iowa for Bachmann could help her win the Granite State too. Romney benefits from high name recognition and front-runner status. But his vaunted fundraising advantage is far smaller than previously assumed -- he barely made one-third of his first quarter goal. Even before sustaining serious attacks, his favorable ratings in New Hampshire are dropping at rates that ought to terrify his campaign. ... Many reporters have noted that a one-on-one matchup between Romney and Bachmann is Romney's dream scenario. That's true--it's his best chance to have the establishment rally behind him. I haven't seen them mention that it's also Bachmann's dream scenario-- he gets to face off against an establishment candidate totally unacceptable to large segments of the party base. Maybe the establishment is already starting to rally. Politico's Jonathan Martin notes Brit Hume warned Republicans on Fox that Bachmann is Obama's dream opponent.
By Elspeth Reeve
Updated: July 8, 2011 | 8:38 a.m.
Michele Bachmann and others deserve a level playing field. Romney is just another east coast liberal.
They are going to be dumbfounded when Sarah declares and the money floods in.
WE DON'T WANT ROMNEY OR ANY OTHER RHINO. WE WANT A CONSERVATIVE. GOT IT?
Sorry for shouting. They're not paying attention.
Maybe, just maybe the lackluster fundraising means the base doesn’t want Romney. Did that ever occur to the establishment?
I think the lackluster fundraising shows even the elites don’t want Romney.
The GOP cave in will be called “The Grand Bargain”. After that deal is done Sarah will announce and go on the offensive.
I hope Michelle Bachmann has lock bars on her dumpster because the media whores will soon be dumpster diving to find dirt on her.
How would Romney’s war chest help bachmann ???
He’s not about to dole Michelle out any pennies...
Erick Erickson on his radio show said a poll would be coming out showing Bachmann in 1st place or neck and neck with Romney in South Carolina. And her fundraising numbers are rumored to be in the $10M range. Considering most of Romney’s $18M came from that one day telethon he has to be nervous. And if the rumors of Rick Perry getting in are more than just rumors Romney has to be terrified.
The New Hampshire Primary is the first real voter test. I think he has to go at least that far to satisfy his donors. But no big win and that will be it.
Unlike Obummer, however, he has a life outside politics. And life will go on.
Hmm...I have a hard time believing people who support Palin would be supporting Romney as a second choice. I mean if Palin came out tomorrow and said she was not going to run would you be sending money to Romney? I doubt it. Seems to me Romney’s base would be GOP and business elites. Is that really Palin’s base of support?
I’m with you 100% on this, it’s exactly what I’m doing as well.
Rodger That.... Palin jumps in My check book opens... untill the the GOP can go pack sand.... and if Romney gets the nomination Im done with the GOP.
What is the place of “Politico” on the political spectrum from Left to Right?
I’ve gotten the impression lately that they are Left of Center.
For Palin supporters, Romney is a non-starter, as post #17 makes clear - and I share that position. Romney does have 'big business' support (he'll keep the subsidy scams going and the tax loopholes open) and I believe it's clear that Romney is the GOP establishment's choice in 2012. Palin is anathema to those folks (she's a conservative, and not in name only) while business contributors are probably wary of her in light of how she handled the Big Oil companies when she was governor of Alaska. Besides, many big business contributors give to Democrats as well as Republicans to keep their access options open. No matter. Sarah Palin has millions of supporters that will contribute hundreds of millions to her campaign - and she'll need it. The vicious attacks on Palin have only served to harden the determination of her supporters. The fact that Palin is shunned by the Republican establishment is seen as a badge of honor and validation of her authenticity as a solid conservative. She'll be fine - if she chooses to run, as I believe she will. If she doesn't? Things can change quickly but today, Michele Bachmann with Herman Cain a distant possibility - but not Romney. Never Romney.
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