Money, money, money.....MONEY!!!!

Vilsack, First Democrat In, Is Quickly Out Former Iowa Governor Cites Financial Demands in Ending Bid for Presidency

"This process has become to a great extent about money -- a lot of money," Vilsack said at a news conference in Des Moines yesterday. "And it is clear to me that we would not be able to continue to raise money in the amounts necessary to sustain not just a campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire but a campaign across this country. So it is money and only money that is the reason that we are leaving today."....

Strategists predicted yesterday that the same problem could befall other second-tier candidates -- particularly later this year, a point when fundraising generally becomes more difficult for most campaigns.

So what does it cost to run for President?

The High Cost of Running for President

If the campaign plans of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are any measure of whats to come, the upcoming race for the White House will be the most expensive contest in the history of the United States of America.

Clinton is one of 10 announced Democratic contestants, and lets not forget the six Republican wannabees. The Clinton fundraising machine has told its supporters that they should plan to raise $100 million in the next year.

Can anyone raise that kind of money? Clinton can. Her successful U.S. Senate campaign cost $34.4 million, and on Election Day she had $11 million left in the bank.

Is it possible for any other candidates to have a chance in the face of the fundraising advantages of a well-oiled political machine?

Flashback: June 30, 1999 -- Bush announces he has raised $37 million: Shocking both political commentators and his opponents, Bush announced that he had raised $37 million in just three months. (McCain raised $6.3 million, Dole $3.5 million, Gore $17.5 million and Democratic hopeful Bill Bradley $11.7 million). Bush's fund-raising success broke all records.

I guess that kind of proves that having the most money does not necessarily mean you will make the best President.