The Note's Sneak Peek

July 3, 2007— -- Now that second-quarter figures are available for all six of the Big Six '08ers, the big money story is that the Democrats have -- at least for now -- eliminated the GOP's historic edge in raising coin, reflecting a growing hunger on the part of the out party to take back the White House. LINK

A few computations tell the story:

Second Quarter comparison (in millions):
Big 3 Republicans vs. Big 3 Democrats: $48.7 vs. $68.5
Aggregate First Quarter + Second Quarter:
Big 3 Republicans vs. Big 3 Democrats: $101.7 vs. $144.3
Candidate-by-candidate:Romney $23.4 + $20.5=$43.9
Giuliani $16.6 + $17= $33.6
McCain $13 + $11.2 = $24.2
*
Clinton $36 + $27 = $63
Obama $25.8 + $32.5 = $58.3
Edwards $14+ $9 = $23
*
Beyond the party disparity in fundraising, the second quarter has also produced some memorable money-related one-liners.

With Bill Richardson breathing down the neck of John Edwards, with Barack Obama besting Hillary Clinton in primary cash for the second quarter in a row, and with Mitt Romney having to once again tap his considerable wealth, here are our picks (in reverse order):

4th of July politics:
In Iowa, Hillary and Bill Clinton march the Clear Lake parade where they just might bump into Mitt Romney who will also be on hand for at the 11:00 am ET event. The Clintons then head to Waterloo for "Ready for Change" events at 3:00 pm ET and 7:30 pm ET. On top of the Clear Lake parade, Romney makes his way to 4th of July parades in Ames (12:30 pm ET) and Waukee (2:00 pm ET).

Joined by his wife and daughters, Barack Obama campaigns in the Iowa towns of Pella, Beaverdale, and Oskaloosa.

Chris Dodd marches the Norwalk 4th of July Parade then heads to Pleasantville,Wellman, and Coralville before hitting the Cedar Rapids freedom festival at 7:30 pm ET. It's all part of his "river to river" tour.