by DFA Staff [courtesy of Blog for America]

The Associated Press via the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

"Since the midterm election of 2006, Democrats have had an enthusiasm gap with Republicans," said GOP strategist Scott Reed. "They have big crowds, raise more money and appear to have more excitement on the campaign trail. Couple this with turnout numbers, which are off the charts, and Republicans are going to have a big challenge in the fall."

The February fundraising numbers reveal a stark difference between the amounts raised by the Democratic frontrunners and the likely Republican nominee:

Clinton aides said she raised $35 million in February, and estimates for Obama place his haul for the month at more than $50 million.

And how much did the McCain campaign raise in February?  In comparison, an anemic $14 million.

Danny
Communications Director

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California has released a poll today that shows Hillary Clinton has a lead of 43% to 28% in the Democratic primary in California amongst expected voters. The poll is generally in alignment with the California Field Poll released earlier in the week that had Clinton at a 39% to 27% advantage. Nevertheless, when asked about the volatility of the electorate in races in other states and the possible effect of the South Carolina primary, PPIC President Mark Baldassare told me, “It just isn’t settled on the Democratic or Republican said.” He indicted other primary state results have a big impact on California voters and “We’re getting our news from other states.”

John McCain leads with 29% on the Republican side, followed by Mitt Romney at 17%, with Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, and Fred Thompson (who has dropped out) at 10% apiece. McCain’s trajectory is up, Guiliani’s has been consistently down since June of 2007 when he had 31% support, and Romney’s support has remained within a narrow 2 point range.