Click to play videoWashington: When it comes to flexing monetary muscle, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton leads the pack with $26 million. But her rivals are not far behind her, both on the democratic and republican side.
She smashed the record raising $26 million in the first quarter put Senator Hillary Clinton in the lead of the money race for the White House.
That's on top of another $10 million she carried over from her Senate election in New York.
So why with all that money does she still have to look over her shoulder?
UVA Centre of Politics member Larry Sabato said, “it's impressive but it's not the knock out blow they had planned.”
If raising $26-million in 3-months is not a knockout blow you know we are in for a tough race.
Newcomer Senator Barack Obama has reportedly raised $20 million though his official numbers aren't yet out.
Former Senator John Edwards isn't far behind with 14 million. Senator Clinton's take on the competition?
Hillary Clinton said, “I think it's a real tribute to the American people and demonstrates across our country that there's so much enthusiasm and energy behind this election already.”
But some political strategists say the biggest goal of bringing in lots of early cash is to convince contributors there's really only one good bet for their party. Just like Al Gore and George Bush accomplished in 2000.
Sabato said, “That money had an Impact. It convinced the big players in their parties that if they wanted to back a winner, they'd better get behind Gore or Bush.
This time, given how many candidates are raising big money, the big players may have to hedge their bets.
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