Monday, April 02, 2007

Hillary Clinton's Millions and Meaning.

So Hillary Clinton reports raising $26 million in the first quarter of fundraising. While the number is big, there are a couple of questions. Teagan Goddard asks one question:
Key caveat: "Clinton aides would not reveal how much of her total was available only for the primary election and how much could be used just in the general election, if she were the party's nominee. By not breaking down the amount available for the primaries, the Clinton camp made it impossible to assess how much of an edge she actually has over Edwards. Edwards' aides said about $1 million of his $14 million in contributions could only be used in the general election, should he win the nomination."
Clinton will actually report $36 million in receipts, but about $10 million was transferred from her Senatorial campaign. But here is the key question: How much money does she have in the bank.

Clinton's campaign is very consultant driven and consultant top-heavy, leading to massive expenditures. For example, Clinton, despite having $10 million left over from her landslide victory in 2006 in New York, spent some $37 million, on a Senate campaign, in a state where she walked away with victory. The tight nature of the Clinton campaign almost commands expensive consultants and no doubt there are people making a mint off her campaign. Final FEC reports are due to be filed no later than midnight on April 15 (no extra day to file like the IRS gives you). That final report will tell the tale of all the candidates.

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