Gore and Bradley Nearly Even in Early Funding

Al Gore and Bill Bradley had about the same amount of money to spend in the five weeks leading up to the March 7 primaries that likely will determine the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, according to reports filed Sunday with the Federal Election Commission.

Meanwhile, Sen. John McCain out-raised George W. Bush last month, even as the Texas governor set records for total fund-raising and spending. And McCain continued to narrow the financial gap between himself and Bush in February, at least in advance of Saturday’s South Carolina primary, in which he was soundly defeated by Bush.

Bradley reported that he had $8.9 million in the bank as of Jan. 31, while Gore reported $8.1 million. Bradley was expecting an additional $6.9 million in federal funds, bringing his total to $15.8 million. Gore expected $7.5 million in federal funds, bringing his total to $15.6 million.

Gore campaign officials noted that Bradley spent more money on television advertising than the vice president in both Iowa and New Hampshire, and lost both contests. Bradley reported spending $1.8 million on TV while Gore reported spending $1.5 million.

Overall, Bradley spent $5 million, bringing his total to $24.4 million, while Gore spent $3.8 million, bringing his total to $27 million. Candidates who accept federal funds are limited to spending around $40 million, plus certain legal and accounting expenses.

On the Republican side, Bush raised $2 million in January, bringing his record-setting total to $70.7 million. He also spent $12.8 million--about $3 million a week--to win the Iowa caucuses and finish second behind McCain in New Hampshire. Bush has spent at least $50.1 million--more than any other presidential candidate. He entered February with $20.5 million in the bank--more than McCain raised through Jan. 31.

McCain actually out-raised Bush in January, taking in around $2.5 million, to bring his total to more than $18 million, including $2 million transferred from his Senate account. He spent around $6.7 million, bringing his overall total to around $21 million. He had $3.1 million in the bank as of Jan. 31, including $2.8 million in federal funds.

The third Republican in the race, Alan Keyes, raised $655,842 in January, bringing his total to $5.1 million. He also borrowed $380,000 and received $616,629 in federal funds. Keyes, who finished third in Iowa, spent $1.9 million, bringing his campaign total to $5.6 million.