RNC touts $27 million in fourth quarter fundraising
(CNN) - The Republican National Committee announced Thursday it raised $27 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, $3 million more than its Democratic counterpart.
The Democratic National Committee announced earlier Thursday it pulled in $24 million in the last three months of the year, and also heralded fundraising from President Barack Obama's reelection effort. The Obama campaign took in $42 million in the fourth quarter.
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The DNC's role in 2012 is to assist the president's re-election bid, as well as help Democratic members of Congress and Democratic congressional candidates in their races for office.
The RNC predicted Thursday that Republicans were on pace to raise more money than the DNC and the Obama campaign in the fourth quarter, using figures from GOP candidates who already announced their hauls.
"Adding the RNC and the fundraising totals for the 3 known Republican candidates who have announced so far ($73 Million), the RNC is outpacing Obama and the Democrats ($68 Million)," Sean Spicer, RNC communications director, said.
Mitt Romney announced earlier in the week he raised $24 million in the fourth quarter, while Ron Paul said he raised $13 million and Newt Gingrich took in $9 million.
Of course, GOP candidates are locked in a primary fight, spending massive amounts of money on television ads and campaign staff ahead of contentious battles in South Carolina and Florida. Obama, as the Democratic incumbent, has avoided a similar inter-party fight.
In a statement to CNN, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said the totals for 2011 were enough to break RNC records.
"2011 was indeed a record-breaking year for the RNC," Priebus said. "We raised more major donor money this year than in any off-year in history, while our grassroots supporters continued to play a critical role in our financial success. Thanks to the generosity of all our supporters, the RNC will a powerful force this election year."
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The GOP has fessed up to the fact that their only interest is free market profits no matter who gets hurt. They should just write off 2012 and save their money for 2016.
The GOP – all that money and not one decent candidate.
The idea and the fact that we have to raise money for political campaigns is just sad. I wish we didn't have to do this because it would reduce the chance for corruption and influence. We need more people (citzens really) involved and expanding their knowledge of the issues. It would help the country.
Of course the RNC raised more money. That's what Republicans are all about.
Looks like the group that makes $150,000 and up is finally sending money to the candidates of the party of the wealthy.
What a waste of 27million dallars.
Do not send a dime....o.k,