WINNERS
* Obama’s campaign: While Romney’s campaign continued to spend more than it raised in the month of April, Obama’s campaign continued to sock away money and now has a 12-to-1 advantage in cash on hand -- $115 million to $9.2 million. Romney raised more for his joint fundraising committee than Obama did, but by virtue of the primary, his campaign has given Obama’s campaign a $100 million head start.
* Romney’s apparatus: Obama may have the edge with his campaign, but Romney’s newly created joint fundraising venture with the Republican National Committee, Romney Victory, started bringing in big money early. The group doesn’t release disclosures monthly, so we don’t have specific numbers. But Romney’s fundraising for his campaign, joint committee and the Republican National Committee nearly equaled Obama’s in April. Much of that is low-hanging fruit, to be sure, but it’s a strong sign that big GOP donors are ready to give. And consider this: Politico’s Ken Vogel reports that Romney and major GOP groups have outraised Obama and major Democratic groups $402 million to $340 million so far this cycle. Once that money is focused on Romney, it may be clear that Republicans actually have the financial edge, and it’s quite possible Romney will raise and spend more between now and Election Day.
* Rep. Ron Paul: Despite having no shot at the nomination and essentially shutting itself down, Paul’s campaign pulled in $2 million in April – money that continues to be used to cause havoc at various state party conventions across the country. The latest exploit: Paul supporters earned 12 of the 13 open delegates in Minnesota this weekend and endorsed a Paul supporter for the race against Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Paul will continue to have the money he needs to craft a role for himself at the Republican National Convention — and beyond.
