WAR CHEST

Super PACs Dominate in 2012 Race

So far, unlimited contributions favor Republicans.

Rick Santorum’s sticking in, as is Newt Gingrich, but in the minds of many Americans, an unofficial general-election race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama has already begun. And when that fight begins in earnest, super PACs, which can raise unlimited amounts of money from anonymous donors, may take center stage. Republicans have an advantage on the super-PAC front—of the top 10 presidential super PACs, nine back Republican candidates and have netted a total of $116 million. Priorities USA Action, the one pro-Obama super PAC that makes the list, has taken only $6.5 million, giving the Republican candidate a substantial fundraising lead.