Posted on 04/15/2007 7:06:44 AM PDT by veronica
Rudy Giuliani spent nearly $5.7 million on his presidential campaign during the first three months of the year, a display of frugality that left him with a healthy amount of cash on hand. The campaign reported nearly $11 million in the bank and contributions of $13.6 million for the primary election. The campaign also raised $1.1 million for the general election, which Giuliani cannot use unless he wins the Republican nomination.
The amount in hand is significant because it puts Giuliani on par with Mitt Romney, one of his top rivals.
Romney aides last week reported raising nearly $21 million and having more than $11 million cash on hand for the primary at the end of March.
Sen. John McCain, once perceived as a front-runner but who now trails Giuliani in public opinion polls, has reported raising $12.5 million during the first three months. McCain is expected to show a high spending rate.
The former New York city mayor was the first presidential candidate to file an official first quarter finance report. The deadline for filing the documents is midnight Sunday.
Giuliani aides said he only had 28,000 individual contributors during the first three months of the year despite leading the GOP presidential field in polls. Aides said the campaign received contributions from donors in all 50 states.
The number of donors is significant because it offers a glimpse of the breadth of a candidate's support. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, for example, has reported more than 100,000 donors. Romney aides have said the former Massachusetts governor had 33,000 donors for his $21 million raised.
"Our biggest challenge is catching our organization up to the popularity of Rudy," said Roy Bailey, the Giuliani campaign's national finance chairman.
Besides spending less than $5.7 million to build an organization in the expensive New York market, Giuliani also reported less than $89,000 in debts. Aides said the report illustrated Giuliani's tightfisted management. Giuliani has been touting his credentials as a fiscal conservative.
"That indicates the efficient nature of the campaign," said Patrick Oxford, the campaign's national chairman. "Rudy is all over us on this just like he was when he was mayor."
His contributions, from individuals and political committees, totaled $14.77 million. Of that $13.6 million is for the primary. He also transferred $1.85 million to his campaign from his senate exploratory committee.
Aides said 64 percent of Giuliani's contributions were for $100 or less.
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A look at the candidate:
Rudy Giuliani pulled in most of his cash late in the quarter. All but about $3 million was raised in March.
Total contributions: $14.7 million, of which $13.6 million is for the primary election.
Total transferred from other accounts: $1.85 million from his 2000 Senate exploratory committee.
Cash on Hand: $10.8 million for the primary election
Top donor state: New York - $3 million
Top employer: Credit Suisse, where more than 50 employees gave more than $90,000.
Notable donors: Actors Kelsey Grammer, $2,300, and Adam Sandler, $2,100.
All the money in the world is not going to make Roooty any less liberal.
It’s looking more and more like a race between Rudy and Mitt. But then, we’ll have to see about Fred Thompson, when and if he joins the race. This should get interesting.
((((RUDY PING)))
How much money from the abortion industry?
Keep going down that road and your candidate will lose the election.
Non-responsive. Baby killers love him.
I agree - I think if Fred gets in the race - we will have 3
very strong candidates - Rudy - Mitt - Fred.
I think the weakest of the 3 at this point is Mitt - too many
flip flops already - that makes me (perhaps only me) uncomfortable with his strength.
Fred Thompson has that actors quality. The voice, a knowledge of the camera and a knowledge of drama.
In the world today - Fred’s ability to communicate through the camera and from the stage will be a huge asset.
Not to mention his ability to pick his stance on the issues.
He’s gonna be tough to beat - if his heart is in it.
We need two vote-getters.
Most of Rudy’s money probably came from establishment GOP donors and PACs. I seriously doubt it came from grassroot conservatives.
And you’re candidate will lose BIG TIME! Enjoy watching Barbara Streisand in the Lincoln bedroom again!
Only those who promote baby killing can win elections?
If Thompson gets into the Race, he will put Primary votes away from McCain and Romney, not Guiliani. That means Guiliani will walk away with the nomination. He will get the Independent votes. In the General election he will also get the Democrats, who won’t vote for Hillary)votes. He will beat Hillary. Go Rudy!
I’ll have whatever you’re having.
When Hillary stomps Rudy in the general his supporters will blame you.
I hope you are right - I really do.
Rudy McRomney has all the money but no ideas.!
That's the way I see it too. Rudy will really shine in the debates, IMO.
Go Rudy!!
Jim Gilmore shot himself in the foot this morning by calling Rudy “McRomney” and saying he’s no conservative. The crowd didn’t like it a bit and he’s history in this race. But we already knew that.
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