WASHINGTON — Republicans Mitt Romney and Rick Perry are neck and neck in filling their presidential campaign coffers after a summer of strong fundraising amid voter anger over jobs and the economy.
In filings released Friday, Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, reported roughly $14 million in contributions during the July-September period and had nearly $15 million on hand. Texas Gov. Perry has roughly the same in the bank, having raised about $17 million during the first few weeks of his campaign.
Still, the GOP candidates’ fundraising efforts lag behind the man whose job they want: President Barack Obama has raised $42.8 million for his re-election.
The candidates’ reports, all due today, offer the first broad look at the financial health of the GOP field.
They are the first official tallies of donations and expenses for contenders Perry, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and businessman Herman Cain. The Associated Press
