GOP presidential candidates lag in fundraising compared with 2007

Darren McCollester/Getty Images - Republican candidates, from left, Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty and Herman Cain at their debate last month at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.

By Dan Eggen and Perry Bacon Jr.,
WashPost
Published: July 8

Are Republicans suffering from an enthusiasm gap?

After taking the House last November in a wave of conservative opposition to President Obama, Republicans now appear to be struggling to match the financial muscle of Democrats heading into the contentious 2012 elections.

The six GOP presidential candidates who have announced results raised a combined $35.6 million through June 30, including about $18 million by presumed front-runner Mitt Romney. In 2007, Republican candidates had raised more than $118 million by the same stage of the race, according to a new analysis from the Center for Responsive Politics.

The sluggish pace poses a serious complication in Republican efforts to unseat Obama, and suggests that GOP donors simply might be less enthusiastic than their Democratic rivals. The Obama campaign, which has not disclosed numbers, is expected to report raising at least $60 million — and perhaps as much as $80 million — in conjunction with the national party.

(More here.)