The unprecedented amount of money raised by presidential candidates Senator Clinton and former Massachusetts Governor Romney in the last quarter, as well as the record-breaking amounts raised by Republican candidates Rudy Giuliani and John McCain and Democrat John Edwards, separates those contenders from the also rans:
"We now officially cut the fields in half," said Anthony Corrado of Colby College in Maine, who specializes in presidential elections and campaign finance. Even so, he cautioned against placing too much emphasis on the early money leaders. "There's still so much time left."
The most surprising numbers were Arizona Senator McCain's. Once considered the favorite to win the nomination, McCain collected reported $12.5 million in contributions, an amount far below expectations.
These numbers are being hyped well beyond all rationality. The numbers are an indication of possible viability, but not the sole criteria. Those candidates setting the pace for early contributions will find it easier to collect money as the campaign moves forward. That, in addition to bragging rights, is all that is at stake with this set of numbers.
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