Edwards, Giuliani Lead S.C. Fundraising

[waiting for hope]

Three quarters, three different candidates leading the fundraising field. This quarter also brings seven candidates setting new personal South Carolina highs in the third quarter of 2007 with fundraising dollars increasing overall.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani raised more than all other candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, in South Carolina with $159,650, which was his new high, according to Federal Election Commission numbers. Giuliani had placed second among his fellow Republicans in the last two quarters.

Meanwhile, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina raised $103,089 in the third quarter of 2007 to lead all Democratic candidates and marking a comeback for the South Carolina native. Edwards raised $186,609 in the first quarter to lead all candidates, but fell to $42,426 in the second quarter.

And then there was New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who came in second amongst Democrats and third overall with $87,600. Richardson had raised less than $30,000 combined in the first two quarters of 2007.

While South Carolina is an important primary state because of its early voting dates and diverse population, it is not typically a finance stop on a candidate's schedule.

But fundraising numbers can tell a lot about where a campaign is heading, said Blease Graham, a political science professor at the University of South Carolina. Republican candidates need to do best in GOP strongholds such as Greenville, Lexington and Horry counties. Democrats need to get their strongest support from the PeeDee and Midlands.

More at Link: http://campaignsandelections.com/sc/articles/index.cfm?id=798

Edwards is going to do very well in South Carolina - here's a diary from DKos highlighting Edwards Domestic Agenda: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/10/16/202456/12

[bettync]

1. Edwards Rural Programs are good for SC.

As his message gets out there, I think the many undecided folks in SC will choose Edwards! The strong fundraising is certainly a good sign!

[ashlarah]

3. It is true, Edwards' rural programs, not to mention

his advocacy for plans like universal health care, make him the best candidate all across the country. South Carolinians are going to get serious soon about figuring out where the candidates are on issues that actually affect them, and then, Edwards will be ahead in the polls, not just fundraising.

[waiting for hope]

4. I love that smiley!!!

Captures the enthusiasm! Thanks!

[Devlzown]

2. The South Carolina primary will be interesting.

So will Super Tuesday.