Posted on 07/15/2011 6:03:59 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Half that amount was raised in a mere 18 days after she formally declared her candidacy, but given her reputation as a fundraising juggernaut, the bottom-line number sure does look anemic next to Romney’s $18 million haul. At Commentary, Jonathan Tobin wonders if she’s ready for prime time:
Bachmann’s excuses for this showing will center on the fact that at the start of the quarter she barely had a campaign, let alone the sort of organization that would allow her to rake in the big bucks. Her Internet fundraising operation, key to a grass roots populist candidacy such as hers, so far lacks the sophistication and promotional efforts needed for her to harness the energy of enthusiastic Tea Party and conservative Christian backers…
Having lifted herself from the second tier to leading alternative to the frontrunner in just a few weeks, Bachmann no longer has the ability to fly below the radar. The congresswoman’s fast start has set high expectations that require her to do more than just skate by. If Bachmann’s performance in the Iowa straw poll in August or the next fundraising report again falls short of what we believe a first-tier candidate must do, her hopes will suffer.
Does anyone think she’ll fall short of a first-tier showing in the straw poll? My assumption’s been that, at worst, she’ll finish second. Bachmann’s also in an odd spot in that, even after her poll surge, no one’s sure how seriously to take her yet. She could bleed lots of support if Perry/Palin get in (which, in Perry’s case, sounds likely) — or, if they don’t, she might surge as tea partiers and social cons choose her as their undisputed standard-bearer. If Romney, Pawlenty, and Ron Paul do a solid job of organizing for the straw poll, Bachmann could finish surprisingly badly there and have to endure a “paper tiger” narrative that leaves would-be donors looking for an alternative. Or maybe she’ll destroy them all and suddenly attract big money as people start to view her as a legitimate threat. Point being, except for T-Paw, no one has as much riding on Ames as Bachmann does. It’s almost pointless to look at their respective balance sheets now since things will change dramatically next month one way or another. But if you do want to look at those sheets, here’s a line to chew on: Although T-Paw outraised her for the quarter (he took in $4.5 million), he had just $1.4 million in cash on hand at the start of July before the big push to Ames. Bachmann has more than $3.6 million, although it’s not clear right now how much of that is for the primary rather than the general. Presumably most of it is, which means Pawlenty’s already in the hole money-wise while he’s trying to catch up in the polls. (Speaking of being in the hole, a factoid from Matt Lewis: Gingrich’s campaign is more than a million dollars in debt — and half of that amount is due to chartering private planes.)
Lest you think Bachmann’s not serious about the nomination, here’s CNN’s report today about her leaving her church in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod last month before her official announcement. Per Lutheran tradition, WELS names the Papacy as the Antichrist; Bachmann, presumably fearing a Rev. Wright problem next year, decided to limit her exposure early, I guess. Undaunted, the left’s seized on an exciting new meme that gives them the chance to attack an ideological opponent while indulging in the sort of cheap jokes that they’ve otherwise derided for years: They think Bachmann’s husband, whose clinic aims to turn gays straight, is totally, totally gay himself. Can’t wait for the Obama attack ad.
The nice thing about Michelle is that she DOESN’T NEED TO raise much money. Her labor costs are NOTHING, thanks to people who believe in her.
Now for Romney...yea, he’ll get helpers...at a price.
These jackasses here hurt Sarah far more than they help...it’s one of FRs lower ebbs I can recall
Some of it from former anti freepers
I suspect hundreds of thousands of people are waiting for Sarah Palin’s decision prior to making their contributions. If Sarah doesn’t run, that money will go to Bachmann or Cain. It’s not going to Romney.
People aren't donating much to anyone in the field because it is still very early.
Mittens has his old Mormon donors ( and believe me, that is a huge group ), his old corporate/lobbiest buds; however, all of his money, the last time around didn't do him one bit of good.
It will be quite interesting if the Great Pumpkin never emerges and Romney actually wins the nomination.
The Great Pumpkin, LOL!!
You and me both...I spent equal to a nice vacation at Seaside on christine, angle, the alaska guy and others who lost
Caught up in a faux social conservatism zenith...lol
Anyone expecting the fat cats on K-Street to throw cash at Bachmann haven’t been paying attention.
I personally am not donating until I know if Perry’s getting in. No sense throwing good money after bad if he does. If he’s not in by Labor Day, I’ll pony-up. If he’s in, I’m saving my wad for congressional races.
“Well with the Palin supporters attacking Bachmann”
Bachmann badmouthed Palin. You expect Palin supporters to keep quiet? What planet are you from?
And whoever is giving money to Romney wouldn’t give money to either of these women anyway, under any circumstances. It’s the good old boy circuit. Establishment Republicans. Corporate big-wigs. It’s what’s wrong with America, and if we’re going to defeat them, we will have to do it without their help.
That’s it? The Palin ultra extremists on here are like the Atlas Shrugs movie supporters.
They figured it would be a major hit. Hey, reality is rough.
I’m really surprised Palin did that badly though. Is that confirmed?
Palin’s PAC rakes in $1.6M by end of June
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2748652/posts
Well, imo we’re going to get a purge on here for supporters or doubters. I still say she has less than a 50% chance of running and then a 50% of winning the primary.
And then less than a 50% chance of beating hussein.
From the same piece:
“The money raised by Sarah PAC can’t be used toward a presidential run, but the haul reflects the extent of Palin’s latent support that could be converted into support for a White House bid.”
Agreed.
Bachmann’s not my candidate in this race, and I don’t think she’ll be a leader by the time the primaries roll around (to put it nicely).
But she just announced at the end of June and those numbers are pretty good, especially in showing the momentum after her first debate.
Romney’s been running for president since puberty. His greatest strength is his fundraising (to put it nicely), and he’s been working on fundraising for this race since 2008.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.