Election 2004

In two weeks, Clark has millions

WASHINGTON - Wesley Clark raised more than $3.5-million in the first two weeks of his presidential race, beating some of his Democratic rivals who have been campaigning for months.

Roughly two-thirds of Clark's money was raised over the Internet, campaign spokeswoman Kym Spell said.

Clark received donations from 21,000 people, with contributions averaging $167.

The former general brought in about $250,000 a day.

"We feel it shows there's a great deal of enthusiasm for Gen. Clark's campaign," Spell said.

Clark's total for the fundraising quarter that ended last Tuesday will likely top those of Sens. John Edwards of North Carolina and Bob Graham of Florida, who have both been in the race for months.

When new campaign finance reports are filed later this month, Edwards is expected to report raising $2.5-million to $3-million in the third quarter, while Graham's total is expected to be around $2-million.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean leads the Democratic pack with nearly $15-million for the three-month period, including roughly $5-million over the Internet in the final 10 days of the quarter.

Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts raised $4.5-million to $5-million, while Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri and Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut came in at around $4-million each.

Dean leads the Democratic field with around $20-million raised, but no Democrat comes close to President Bush.

The president is aiming for $150-million to $170-million for the primary season and is already roughly halfway to that goal.

Clark is not taking a break from the fundraising trail. He held a fundraising event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the first day of the new fundraising quarter, and plans another in San Francisco this week.

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