The numbers are in, and Mitt Romney is the clear front runner for the GOP nomination—and we’re not talking about Florida’s primary results. Restore Our Future, the super political action committee supporting Romney, raised nearly $18 million between July and December and had $23.6 million cash on hand at the end of the year. That puts it well ahead of the super PACs supporting Newt Gingrich or any other Republican candidate. Unlike the candidates themselves—who can raise a maximum of $2,500 per person for each election—super PACs are, at least on paper, independent from candidates. They can raise unlimited amounts from individuals, corporations and labor unions, and spend unlimited amounts to support or oppose a candidate. On Tuesday, while Romney was cruising to an easy primary win in the Sunshine State, the Federal Election Commission shed light on the candidates’ super PAC totals and donors. Winning Our Future, the committee backing Gingrich, raised just over $2 million between July and December and had $1.2 million cash on hand at the end of the year. The totals do not include funds raised in January, during which the Gingrich super PAC reportedly received a $10 million contribution. Ron Paul’s super PAC, Endorse Liberty, raised just over $1 million in 2011. President Barack Obama, meanwhile, reported raising $39.9 million in the fourth quarter. The New York Times has compiled a list of all major donors to super PACS for all the GOP candidates and Obama. Check it out here.
Today’s poll question: With his Florida primary win, do you think Mitt Romney has secured the GOP presidential nomination?
