U.S. Presidential race is really hotting up according to the reports filed with the Federal Election Commission yesterday. Obama continues to lead the campaign, at least in the fundraising department. Both the hot-favorites, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have each got over $30 million in the campaign accounts as the presidential primaries near. Obama reported having $34 million in cash for the primaries and his closest rival, Clinton, followed close on his footsteps reporting $33 million. In the period through April to June Obama raised $32 million for the primary election and $800,000 for the general election. Hillary, on the other hand, raised nearly $21.5 million for the primary and $5.6 million for the general election. Democrats flourish Republicans languish While the two frontrunners for Bush’s post, come next year, trail blaze their path to financial clout, the GOP hopefuls are fast loosing in the fundraising race. The two Democrats have more than twice as much to spend as Republican frontrunners Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Even the third spot is occupied by a Democrat John Edwards. He reported having $12 million in the reserves for the primary. One of the Republican hopefuls John McCain’s campaign has lost its financial track. His spending through April to June saw him exceed the donations and left him with just $3.2 million cash in hand and a debt amounting to $1.8 million. McCain’s steadfast support to the highly unpopular War in Iraq has made his campaign loose momentum ahead of the next quarter. Republican dark horse, who barely registers in the opinion polls, Ron Paul has come up with a good showing and raised $2.4 million in the previous quarter. With no debt, this puts him in a better position than McCain himself. Outlook Among all those vying for presidency next year, the outlook seems most bright for Obama. His charisma has already drawn in record contributions and the trend will most likely continue over the next quarter. The funds, that Obama and Clinton have in their kitties now, will help them to fend off any threat to their ‘favorites’ tag. And frankly, the only two people to emerge from any danger are these two Democrats. Ultimately, if things turn out as per the current scenario, these two might provide the only real competition to each other.
Apr
27
