Obama Raised $40 million-plus in March
CHICAGO -- Barack Obama raised more the $40 million in March, making this one of the most successful fund-raising months for his campaign. They report that the average contribution was $96 while more than 218,000 new donors contributed for the first time. Obama has argued that small donations, most of which come through the internet, are proof of the campaign's strong grassroots organization.
"What has been remarkable about this campaign is the million plus donors that we've created mostly online are able sustain our campaign, I think, indefinitely through $25, $50 and $100 contributions," Obama told reporters on Tuesday.
"It's a lot easier to maintain a budget when you've got a million small donors who are there with you and believe in what you are doing compared to if you were raising $2,300 checks from people who at some point tap out."
The Clinton campaign, which has not released their March fundraising totals, said this morning that they were not surprised by the $40 million figure. They are downplaying the amount, arguing that Clinton beat Obama in Texas and Ohio despite the fact that he outspent her.
"He has already outspent us in Pennsylvania about 4 to 1 and I anticipate he will outspend us at least 2 to 1 on TV going forward in Pennsylvania." Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said on a conference call with reporters.
"I would remind everyone that he outspent us over 2 to 1 on TV in Ohio and Texas and a larger clip when you look at other forms of spending. We were able to win despite being outspent and we expect to be successful in Pennsylvania and going forward despite being outspent in those states."
However, on the same conference call, Singer argued that Obama should be able to win the Pennsylvania primary and that they expect to do so. The Obama campaign called Singer's comments "laughable."