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Saturday, October 17, 2015

Ben Carson tops GOP field in fundraising as Donald Trump rakes in unsolicited cash

Ben Carson topped the rest of the Republican presidential field in fundraising for the third quarter, with Jeb Bush placing second — a critical showing for the former Florida governor whose White House bid has faltered in recent weeks.

Although billionaire front-runner Donald Trump is self-financing his campaign and does not actively seek donations, the real estate tycoon took in more cash unsolicited than did some of his rivals who need donations to keep their campaigns running.

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, meanwhile, reported the most cash on hand, arguing that he has been able to keep his spending low, leaving him well-positioned as the campaign hits the stretch before the Iowa caucuses in February that kick off the primary season.

Mr. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, said he raised $20.7 million from July 1 through Sept. 30, followed by Mr. Bush’s $13.4 million and Sen. Ted Cruz’s $12.2 million haul, according to records filed Thursday with the Federal Election Commission.

Businesswoman Carly Fiorina raised about $7 million, Mr. Rubio raised $6 million, Ohio Gov. John Kasich collected $4.4 million and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie brought in $4.2 million. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky reported a $2.5 million haul as he fights to be included on the next debate’s main stage amid declining poll numbers.

“We’re in it for the long haul,” Mr. Paul insisted in an interview on CNN. “We have planned and we have organized in all 50 states. I wouldn’t waste two years of my life trying to put this message out if I did not plan on being there when they voted, so we plan on being there when they vote.”

His $2.5 million was a major drop from the $7 million he raised in the second quarter, which ran from April 1 to June 30, but Mr. Paul said he has seen a surge in October and is comfortable with the $2 million in cash he had on hand.

But that $2.5 million take is less than what Mr. Trump raised with neither effort nor need.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

it's a sin to waste so much money!