Mitt Romney PAC Reports $1.9 Million Raised In First Quarter

WASHINGTON — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney raised almost $1.9 million during the first three months of the year as he laid the groundwork for an expected presidential run.

Aides to the Republican's political action committee said Thursday that the Free and Strong America organization also gave away more than $400,000 to Republican candidates and conservative organizations.

The money is separate from his expected presidential bid but is a sign the 2008 contender is planning a serious fundraising operation.

Romney's likely rivals aren't likely to immediately report their totals and some aren't required. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has announced a presidential committee, spent much of the first three months of this year on a book tour and didn't emphasize fundraising for his political operations.

Comments

[Allen Reed Jensen]

06:19 PM on 04/01/2011

Obviously PACS can only raise so much money and are always dwarfed when compared to presidential war-chests but Romney has raised the most through the PAC system. Sarah Palin for all her fame and TV time has failed to raise as much dough as this "establishment candidate." Romney paid about half of his campaign back in 08 but this election is completely different with the economy front and center. Although the tea party is wealthier and more educated than the average American it is the GOP establishment that donates the bulk of the cash within Republican contests. Regardless of some people's criticisms that Mitt is a flip-flopper or a RINO he is still the most probable candidate.