2012

Perry 'Best In Country' at Fundraising

Scheduled to declare candidacy ahead of Straw Poll.

Republicans competing in Saturday's Ames Straw Poll in Iowa will be fighting for attention with Rick Perry, who plans to announce his candidacy in South Carolina. GOP candidates have other reasons to be wary of the newcomer: Sources say Perry plans to raise $10 million within a few weeks of entering the race. Perry's record indicates he might be able to do so. He’s been called the “most successful fundraiser in the history of Texas politics.” “He may be the best in the country,” said Texans for Public Justice director Craig McDonald. In his three campaigns for governor, Perry raised $102 million and he also brought a record $22.1 million for the Republican Governors’ Association, of which he is the chairman.