WASHINGTON – Texas governor Rick Perry has hauled in at least $10 million, according to a source close to his presidential campaign, in his first fundraising test as a national candidate for the Republican nomination for 2012. The Perry campaign had set a goal of pulling in $10 million for the quarter ending September 30th, after jumping into the race late, about six weeks ago.
Mr Perry, still leading in national polls, has suffered a series of setbacks in recent weeks including a lacklustre debate performance and a weak showing in a Florida straw poll of activists.
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who had been the presumed frontrunner before Mr Perry entered the fray, is believed to have raised between $10 million and $15 million. – (Reuters)