The Washington Post reports:
Republican presidential candidates are giving out the first hints of their second-quarter fundraising, with total tallies lower than they were in the presidential contest four years ago.
Officials with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s campaign said Friday that he raised less than $20 million.
The slow start was largely attributed to the tough economic environment, but the figures will inevitably be used as a measure of each candidate’s strength.
Pawlenty’s total, in particular, calls into question how well he can position himself as the alternative to Romney, especially with a fellow Minnesotan and blockbuster fundraiser, Rep. Michele Bachmann, surging in the polls.
“Fundraising numbers are important because they help generate buzz and excitement,” said GOP consultant Todd Harris, “and because in politics, money begets more money.
Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty’s campaign said he raised $4.2 million in the recent quarter. Texas Rep. Ron Paul raised more than $4.5 million. Jon Huntsman, a former Utah governor and ambassador to China, raised $4.1 million with “less than half” coming from his personal funds, an official with his campaign said.