The initial batch of fundraising reports point to a continuation of the trend that emerged in the spring quarter, when the Democratic candidates raised more money directly for their campaigns, while nearly 80 percent of the money raised to support GOP contenders went to super PACs and other independent groups. It is unclear how much money has gone to super PACs since June 30, as the groups do not have to file with the FEC until the end of January.
The large sums that Clinton and Sanders have collected for their campaigns underscore a structural advantage that could help the eventual Democratic nominee. While super PACs have inserted themselves into the 2016 White House contest in an unprecedented manner, the early exit of candidates such as former Texas governor Rick Perry and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker spotlights the need for candidates to have their own robust finance operations. That means creating a large pool of small donors, who will be key to generating the estimated $1 billion that each party’s candidate will need to raise by Election Day. So far, just Carson and Cruz appear to have amassed sizable small donor bases on the right.