Barack Obama is winning the chase for campaign cash in Colorado by a mile. But just who’s forking over the dough to him and others in this crowded presidential race? Keep reading for a list of prominent Coloradans – and who they’re sending their money to.As noted in The Colorado Springs Independent, the Feb. 5 caucus is approaching faster than many imagined – and the presidential money chase is in full stride. According to opensecrets.org, so far in Colorado, Barack Obama is the clear winner so far, raking in more than $1.2 million in contributions.
Second is Mitt Romney with nearly $680,000.
Hillary Clinton, with $519,000 and Rudy Giuliani with nearly $409,000, follow.
In Colorado Springs, a Republican stronghold, Romney is undeniably feeling the love. The former Massachusetts governor has pulled in more than $77,000 from local donors, blowing away all other candidates. (Giuliani, in second, has received $28,000 from Springs residents; Obama has $24,092 and John McCain nearly $23,000.)
As Romney has gotten the most cash in the Springs, likewise he has secured endorsements from some of the biggest names in Colorado GOP politics. U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, former Gov. Bill Owens and oilman/former gubernatorial candidate Bruce Benson have all endorsed Romney. El Pomar chairman Bill Hybl and his son, University of Colorado regent Kyle Hybl, have given Romney cash, as have developers Mark Morley, Lindsay Case and David Jenkins. Other contributions have come from state Rep. Larry Liston, Realtor Wynne Palermo and PR consultant Kim Mutchler.
Democratic frontrunner Clinton has not received an outpouring of local big-name support, though she has gotten love from Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, House Majority Leader Alice Madden and former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb. Many other Democratic leaders, including Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, have declined to endorse in the presidential race, on the basis that Denver is the site of next year’s Democratic convention.
Former New York City Mayor Giuliani, meanwhile, has gotten cash from former El Paso County Sheriff John Anderson and state Rep. (and former local Republican Party chair) Bob Gardner. Other Giuliani fans include House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark, Sinton Dairy general manager Joel Midkiff, Realtor Jack Gloriod, former city councilwoman and longtime community activist Mary Ellen McNally, attorneys Howard Kunstle and Ed Farry, and real-estate advisor Les Gruen.
Obama has the support of former Denver Mayor Federico Pe
