The Republicans are finally 'fessing up their fundraising numbers and there's a reason why no one's shouting like Hillary or Barack: they can't. Mitt Romney hints at having raised $10 million, including loaning himself (again) more than he'd like. Despite himself, Fred Thompson may have raised as much as $8 million.
John McCain just released his 3rd quarter figures a short time ago -- around $6 million, or only about $1 million more than long shot but Internet popular Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. It's a good thing that McCain has chosen to live off the land because he has no choice with only $3.6 million on hand. Can you say matching funds? Campaign manager Rick Davis put the best spin on matters with a non-denial denial: "We are thrilled that with so many Americans supporting John McCain, we're now on sound financial footing and running a robust campaign gaining clear momentum in the early states. Heading into the fall, we have the resources to communicate that John McCain is the only candidate with the experience, character and judgment to lead as commander in chief from day one."
Of course, McCain can boast he raised more than Ron Paul's $5 million: which is more than former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee who raised $1 million despite becoming a media dandy in August.
Rudy's audio touch
I like the new radio ad by Republican prez hopeful Rudy Giuliani that’s been released here in first-in-the-solar-system primary land. (Listen for yourself here)
The title is “Tested” and Rudy tells me he’s been tested more than most. In the 60-second ad, Saint Rudy of 9/11 tells me he’s dealt with crisis “on a regular basis” and, befitting a leader who has proclaimed himself America’s mayor, he’s “had results.” And best of all, he fought the “impossible” odds to get those results. The strong female voice over chimes in to tell me that Rudy is “principled, experienced” and has delivered the goods. Rudy tells me he’s going on the offense against terrorists and for a growing economy led by less government and lower taxes. SFVO tells me that Rudy is “The Republican that Democrats just don’t want to run against.” I like how he strips matters down to the basics. No talk of Iraq, Blackwater, SCHIP, President Bush, or other crisis matters that don’t require his attention. By doing so, he allows me to focus on matters that really count such as keeping on the lookout for deviants like Democrats, moveon.org, school teachers, anti-war advocates, and artists yearning to cave in to the terrorists. It makes me, feel, well, more manly, more in touch with that Republican steroid reserve buried deep within me, yearning to be freed.
Most of all Rudy tells me that compromise is for sissies. “We laid out a very, very specific set of goals that we want to achieve because I want people to look at those and say if I agree with most of them, then this is a person who can bring them about,” Rudy states. “And if they disagree with it, they should vote against me, because I am going to bring it about.”
In other words, resistance is futile.
ADVERTISEMENTS 
