Kerry lags far behind Bush in fund raising

Sen. John Kerry is a whopping $100 million behind President Bush in ready cash as he embarks on the next phase of his White House campaign, and dependent on outside groups he can’t legally control to help close the gap. …

Bush’s campaign committee reported cash on hand of $104 million as of Feb. 1, with no debt. The president continues to raise money, scheduling three fund-raisers in a little more than 24 hours in California on Wednesday. …

The two candidates are limited to spending $74.4 million apiece after receiving the nominations, meaning that Kerry must make his money last longer than Bush does.

Bush’s fundraising figures are interesting. He has raised $154 million but only has $104 million. Hmmm, it has cost him $50 million to raise $104 million — yet another failed business venture for Bush.

If the candiates are limited to $74.4 million after their conventions, Bush needs to spend no less than $30 million (possibly $80 million) before August.

You’d think the incumbent president wouldn’t need to buy the election.

Howard Dean taught us one very important message: the candidate with the most money can lose. As Bush will learn in Novemeber. mjh