March Tallies: Obama $40M, Clinton $20M

Both Democratic Candidates Fail To Match Record February Totals

(AP)  Sen. Barack Obama, second to none in the race for campaign cash, raised more than $40 million in March and boosted his vast network of donors to nearly 1.3 million, the campaign announced Thursday.

The amount is less than the record $55 million he raised in February, but still a sizable amount that sustains his place as the fundraising leader among all presidential candidates. The money gives him a substantial financial advantage over Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as they compete for votes heading into the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.

Clinton raised $20 million in March, the second best showing of her campaign, aides said. Clinton has raised nearly $70 million this year. Details of the candidates' March fundraising will be made public in official reports filed with the Federal Election Commission April 20.

The Obama campaign said it attracted more than 218,000 first-time donors in March.

"Many of our contributors are volunteering for the campaign, making our campaign the largest grass-roots army in recent political history," campaign manager David Plouffe said.

Obama has been the candidate most successful at blending high dollar donors with small contributions by deft use of the Internet. He has had the highest number of donors contributing $200 or less.

"We knew that he was going to outraise us," Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson said. "He has outraised us over the last several months."

Wolfson said the campaign will have the resources they need to compete and be successful in the upcoming primaries. He pointed to Clinton's base of support from online fundraising, saying she had raised about $1 million online on March 31.

Obama's announcement comes as both Democrats return to a popular financial wellhead, raising money in California to help finance a heavy stretch of spending in April. With their race for the Democratic nomination showing no signs of ending, tapping donors for more cash has new urgency.

Obama has scheduled fundraisers at the homes of four different financial backers Sunday afternoon and evening in northern California. Clinton attended one fundraiser Wednesday in Silicon Valley, and had three planned for Thursday - in San Francisco, Pasadena and Los Angeles.

Most of the events are for donors giving the $2,300 maximum allowed by law.

Obama raised a record $55 million in February; Clinton raised $34.5 million.

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The Money Race
Check out February tallies for Clinton, Obama and McCain, including how much they've raised and spent since the campaign began.

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Though the New York senator trails Obama in delegates needed for the nomination, Clinton advisers and fundraisers said her donors remain enthusiastic. But her fundraisers also say she relied too much on large donors early in the cycle.

"That pool is reduced," said Larry Stone, a Clinton fundraiser in Silicon Valley who also is the Santa Clara County assessor. "Hillary came really late to the game in effective fundraising on the Internet as compared to Barack Obama ... Many of the solid enthusiastic Clinton supporters were maxed out."

But Stone added: "A big boon to the fundraising has been these appeals for her to withdraw. It makes supporters angry, especially women."

Clinton aides said Wednesday that they anticipate Obama will outspend her by 2-to-1 in Pennsylvania. In the first round of campaign ads, Obama spent about $2 million to Clinton's $450,000, according to data compiled by TNS Media Intelligence/Campaign Media Analysis Group, which tracks political ads. Obama is also already airing ads in Indiana and North Carolina, which won't hold primaries until next month.

"We don't expect to match Senator Obama ad for ad," Wolfson told reporters during a conference call Wednesday.

Clinton entered March with $11.5 million to spend in the primary compared to $30.5 million for Obama. Moreover, Clinton owed $8.7 million to several campaign vendors at the end of February. A spot check by The Associated Press of several vendors found many were paid last month, after the March 4 primaries in Ohio and Texas. The cost of those two contests, together with efforts to reduce campaign debt, have kept fundraising a priority for her campaign.

[sueann702]

The Saudi and Muslim Extremist are funding Barack Huesain Obama. How else do you think he raised 40 million in one month? Think about it he came out of nowhere and is raising that much money. Obama has lived overseas and has many Muslim connections.


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Posted by obama8years at 11:36 AM : Apr 05, 2008

1. The Bush family has more ties to the Saudis than any President.
2. Obama is funded 100% by the people. Hillary takes money from the special interest. She will repay them if she''s elected.(see Bankruptcy Bill)

[myshiba]

There is plenty of money in oil!!!!! Oil can buy so many things!
Praise be unto Allah! Obama is the messenger of Allah and will soon be on His throne to avenge for all of Allah''s peoples! Praise unto Allah forever! Thank you America for bringing Obama to us!!!!!

[obama8years]

Obama''s preacher of his so-called Church of Christ awarded Louis Farrakahn the Lifetime Achievement award through his church, Obamas'' pastor has traveled with Farrakahn. Mr Farrakahn and his supporters are the black version of the Ku Klux Klan.

[obama8years]

BREAKING NEWS

The Saudi and Muslim Extremist are funding Barack Huesain Obama. How else do you think he raised 40 million in one month? Think about it he came out of nowhere and is raising that much money. Obama has lived overseas and has many Muslim connections.

[kansas1946]

Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?


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Posted by BLACKSPIRIT3 at 12:31 PM : Apr 04, 2008
********************************************

Shhhhhh. Blackspirit, don''t upset the Republicans. They think a patriot is someone who has their nose up GWB''s rearend. It is very obvious that a lot of "childs got left behind" when American history and the constitution were being taught. And it always amazes me how juvinile these attacks on Obama are. If someone disagreed on issues, then we could talk. But they are just silly nonsense. Sigh...what are you going to do... :o)

Obama''s latest fundraising email, lacking......

http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/04/michelle_obama_now_make_donati.html#comments

Obama''s latst money raising tactless
http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/04/michelle_obama_now_make_donati.html#comments

[popstom1]

Now go to opensecrets.org look at top donor profiles
then you will know how Mr.Obama played the game
he is a dirt bag

[popstom1]

Every gang banger out there Obama Rocks Obama Rocks
get ya Obama rocks hear

[mudrose-2009]

Sorry, Sir, but the man''''s ranting against White America is out there and sold on tapes! Nothing you can say or do can be an excuse for it. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS KIND OF KRAP in church!

And there is NO excuse for Obama swilling his krap in his books in his own words.
Posted by RowdyTexan2

Yeah, Senator Oreo is a Knight in Shining Armor now isn''t he?

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by ksh1022 at 01:31 PM : Apr 04, 2008

AMEN!

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by BLACKSPIRIT3 at 12:31 PM : Apr 04, 2008

Sorry, Sir, but the man''s ranting against White America is out there and sold on tapes! Nothing you can say or do can be an excuse for it. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS KIND OF KRAP in church!

And there is NO excuse for Obama swilling his krap in his books in his own words.

[ksh1022]

If Obama has raised twice as much money than Hillary, why is he not ahead in the delegate count with twice as many votes? Could it be that there are not that many young and black voters. Obama will have no base in the general. Do you think that Hillary supporters will vote for the far left, inexperienced, racist, Anti-American, Anti-white, church attending Obama. I know I won''t. I''ll write Hillary''s name in or vote Republican. I do not want this man as my President. I doubt even Oprah will be able to buy enough votes for Obama come November.

[ksh1022]

If Obama has raised twice as much money than Hillary, why is he not ahead in the delegate count with twice as many votes? Could it be that there are not that many young and black voters. Obama will have no base in the general. Do you think that Hillary supporters will vote for the far left, inexperienced, racist, Anti-American, Anti-white, church attending Obama. I know I won''t. I''ll write Hillary''s name in or vote Republican. I do not want this man as my President. I doubt even Oprah will be able to buy enough votes for Obama come November.

[blackspirit3]

REV WRIGHT STORY - In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy''s challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines. In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy''s premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief''s medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated. While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President *** Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?

[blackspirit3]

REV WRIGHT STORY - In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy''s challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines. In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy''s premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief''s medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated. While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President *** Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?

[blackspirit3]

REV WRIGHT STORY - In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy''s challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines. In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy''s premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief''s medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated. While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President *** Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?

[blackspirit3]

REV WRIGHT STORY - In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy''s challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines. In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy''s premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief''s medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated. While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President *** Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?

[blackspirit3]

REV WRIGHT STORY - In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy''s challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines. In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy''s premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief''s medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated. While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President *** Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?

[blackspirit3]

REV WRIGHT STORY - In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy''s challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines. In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy''s premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief''s medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated. While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President *** Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections. Who is the real patriot?