Tracker Update: Money and Tiers Heading Into the Second Debate
Candidates' FEC filings for the second quarter of 2019 are in and shed a harsh light on the contenders and pretenders for the race as it stands here in mid-summer. They have been incorporated into the Hats in the Ring Tracker so let's have a look: As you can see from the table, I'm now factoring three facets of fund raising into the tracker. Total money raised for the quarter gets twice the weight of cash on hand and small donation dollars. The big winner of the fundraising sweepstakes is Pete Buttigieg, who punched well above his weight by pulling in $25 million, more than anyone but Sanders (whose total is inflated by cash transfers). If there was any doubt Buttigieg belonged with the other frontrunning candidates, this should put that to rest, at least for the next three months. Mayor Pete is here to stay. We also know who has qualified for the second round of debates to be held at the end of this month. And it conveniently coincides pre...