Washington – John McCain entered the second quarter of the year with less than half the cash in the bank that his two main Republican rivals for the presidency reported, a significant challenge for a candidate trying to put luster back in his campaign.
McCain aides said the Arizona senator had $5.2 million cash on hand after spending $8.4 million during the first three months of the year. McCain, who days ago moved to revamp his fundraising operation, also reported $1.8 million in debts.
Figures that the campaign filed with the Federal Election Commission on Saturday showed McCain trailing Mitt Romney in such key financial benchmarks as money raised and money in the bank. He also trailed Rudy Giuliani in money in the bank, though he was nearly at par with the former New York mayor on money raised.
McCain reported raising $13 million for the primary election. Romney, the fundraising leader, collected $20.7 million, and Giuliani raised $13.6 million for the primary. Romney reported having $11.9 million in the bank, and Giuliani had $10.8 million.
Also Saturday, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas reported contributions of $1.3 million for the quarter and cash on hand of $807,000 in his quest for the GOP nomination.
Mike Huckabee, a former Republican governor of Arkansas, reported contributions of $544,000 and $374,000 cash on hand in his presidential bid. He reported a debt of $52,500.
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich filed his financial documents with the FEC, reporting $345,000 in receipts during the first three months of the year and $164,000 cash on hand.
