Obama Sets Fundraising Record

First term Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, raised a whopping $32.5 million for the upcoming primaries during the second quarter alone, which is a record for a democratic candidate. He raised over $10 million more than New York Senator and supposed democratic front runner Hillary Rodham Clinton did during the second quarter. Clinton's campaign reported that she had raised approximately $21 million for the primary race. Associated Press/St. Petersburg Times

Hillary did top Obama in funds raised for the general election. These include funds that can be used only if a candidate wins their party's nomination. Clinton's campaign aids reported that she had raised about $6 million in general election funds for the second quarter. Obama only reported raising $1.5 million in general election funds.

Counting both the general election money raised and the money raised for primaries, Senator Obama still had senator Clinton beat by a large sum, over $7 million.

The record breaking fund raising by Senator Obama raises serious questions about whether or not Senator Clinton can still be considered the democratic front runner. With these staggering figures, Obama has stolen a lot of Clinton's thunder and propelled himself to the front of the pack.

Senator Obama has raised an incredible $58.2 million in primary money so far this year. What is even more impressive is the total number of people who have contributed to his campaign. An amazing 258,000+ people have contributed to Obama's campaign so far this year, 154,000 in the second quarter alone. At this stage of the game, he appears to be rapidly picking up steam. Associated Press/St. Petersburg Times

In a statement on Sunday, July 1st, Senator Obama said, "Together we have built the largest grass-roots campaign in history for this stage of a presidential race. That's the kind of movement that can change the special interest-driven politics in Washington and transform our country, and it is just the beginning." Associated press/St. Petersburg Times

Obama and Clinton have by far out performed the other democratic candidates in fund raising during the second quarter as well as during the entire year. Only John Edwards is close to Clinton and Obama. During the second quarter, Edwards raised $9 million, which brought his total year to date to $23 million. In stark comparison to Obama, Edwards' $23 million in funds has come from a mere 100,000 donors.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was not far behind Edwards during the second quarter, raising more than $7 million. However, he has only been able to raise about $13 million year to date.

It is quite some time away before any democratic candidate will win their party's nomination. At this early stage in the game, it seems to be only a two person race between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. Unless one of them falters, it is highly unlikely that that will change.

Source:
Associated Press/St. Petersburg Times. Obama tops Clinton in Fundraising. July, 2 2007. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/02/Worldandnation/Obama_tops_Clinton_in.shtml. Retrieved July 2, 2007.