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WASHINGTON - John Kerry raised $100-million in the three months after he wrapped up his party's nomination, a Democratic record but well short of the presidential money leader - George W. Bush.
Kerry raised roughly $25-million in May, lifting his presidential campaign total to more than $140-million through the month, according to numbers provided by his campaign Wednesday. Bush easily has outpaced Kerry, taking in at least $216-million for his re-election bid.
Bush and Kerry declined to accept public money for the primary season - and the accompanying limits on spending.
The four-term Massachusetts senator has raised more than $44-million over the Internet since his Super Tuesday victories in early March, averaging $108 per online donor, and has raised millions in $1,000 and $2,000 donations at fundraisers.
Kerry has surpassed his financial goal of about $106-million for the primary season. He has just more than a month of fundraising left before he accepts his party's nomination and receives government financing for the general election.
Bush holds the presidential fundraising record. He has raised at least $216-million since beginning his re-election effort in May 2003, including at least $13-million raised in May through online and mailed contributions.
By the end of June, Bush will have spent $80-million and Kerry $60-million since March on TV ads in media markets in 21 states and nationally on cable.
Bush stopped holding fundraisers for himself in April, turning his attention to helping the Republican Party and GOP candidates raise millions for the fall election. Kerry has been holding fundraisers for himself and the Democratic National Committee, and has taken in millions over the Internet and through direct-mail solicitations. Kerry's total includes roughly $6-million he borrowed before his primary victories by mortgaging his Boston home.
Kerry will reach his fundraising cutoff about a month before Bush, who can continue raising primary money until his party's convention in late August.
BY THE NUMBERS$216-MILLION: Amount President Bush has raised
$140-MILLION: Amount John Kerry has raised
$25-MILLION: Amount Kerry raised in May
$13-MILLION: Amount Bush raised in May
$44-MILLION: Amount Kerry has raised over the Internet since Super Tuesday.