If Money Decides Elections, Obama Wins The Nomination
Senator Barack Obama (D-Il) shattered Dem fundraising records when he raised $32.5 million in the last quarter. He has now raised nearly $59 million for his campaign for the Presidency.
Sen. Hillary Clinton raised $27 million, also surpassing previous Democratic highs. John Edwards raised his stated goal of $9 million.
Obama will be able to compete dollar for dollar with Clinton. He has at least the same amount of free media access. When the campaign starts in earnest after Labor Day, Obama will have every tool he needs to win the nomination. As will Hillary. Edwards is banking on a win in Iowa to propel him. He has the funds to give it his best shot. The other candidates, including my guy Sen Dodd, will need to capture lightning in a bottle in Iowa.
Money is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for winning the nomination. Ask Howard Dean. So, this does not decide the nomination. If you believe in polls this early, Obama trail Hillary badly. In my view, nothing is decided until Iowa. We'll see what happens. May the best candidate win.
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