Tim Pawlenty raised $4.2 million in the second quarter, his campaign reported today.
“[He] begins the third quarter with more available cash-on-hand than the Republicans who won the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary had in July 2007,” said spokesman Alex Conant in a statement.
Pawlenty raised slightly more than Jon Huntsman, who entered the race last week and reported a $4.1 million quarter total. Close to half of the amount came from Huntsman’s personal fortune.
Mitt Romney reportedly raised between $15 million to $20 million this quarter, but the campaign has not released the final numbers. Bachmann, a phenomenal fundraiser but also only a few days into the race at this stage, has not yet announced her numbers.
It’s unlikely any of the candidates are ecstatic about these numbers. While Romney had the largest haul, the amount is about on par with how much he raised during his first quarter as a candidate in 2007 — when his profile was significantly lower and he wasn’t the frontrunner. For Pawlenty, the amount raises questions about whether he can emerge as the viable alternative to Romney.
One person who might be pleased by these numbers: Rick Perry, who may view it as a sign that there are still plenty of Republicans unenthused about the current field.