Rudy’s Ramp Up

ABC News’ David Chalian Reports:  The Giuliani campaign is the first out of the gate of the major candidates to file its first quarter fundraising report with the FEC.

Momentum and money management is the two-pronged message coming out of the Giuliani camp today. 

The campaign continues to make its case that it spent most of January ($200,000 raised) and February ($3 million raised) ramping up its campaign and didn’t hit a stride until March ($11.5 million raised).

"You are going to see a March-like pace going forward," Giuliani campaign manager Mike DuHaime told reporters today.

The campaign also is proud of its (relative) frugality. The Giuliani camp spent roughly 37% of what it raised for the quarter — far less than the roughly 50% Mitt Romney (who has been airing television commercials in key early states). So, though Romney was the big GOP winner with his $23 million haul — he was also a big spender.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, R-N.Y., ends the quarter just $1,000,000 shy of what former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., has in his primary bank account.

Giuliani reported 28,356 total donors, 64% of whom gave $100 or less. Giuliani received donations from all 50 states and a majority of the counties.

"Our biggest challenge is catching our organization up to the popularity of Rudy," said finance chairman Roy Bailey.  (We could all probably think of a few other challenges, but we’ll leave that for another day.)

Giuliani’s campaign manager refused to commit to his candidate’s participation in the Ames, Iowa GOP  straw poll in August — a crucial early test likely to get lots of attention for the Republican presidential hopefuls. 

"We are 100% committed to playing in the caucuses — the straw poll is something we are going to evaluate going forward," said DuHaime.

The Highlights from the Giuliani release:
FEC Quarterly Report Highlights(in millions):
· Primary Election Cash on Hand: $10,814,834 (91%)
· General Election Cash on Hand $1,134,900 (9%)
· Total Cash on Hand: $11,949,734
· Total Receipts: $16,623,410 (includes $1,850,000 transferred from Friends of Giuliani)
- Total Disbursements: $5.7