Update: The top Democratic draft committee, Ready for Hillary, didn’t come close to raising the $3.3 million announced by the Draft Ben Carson for President Committee, according to the pro-Clinton group.
Ready for Hillary declared late Wednesday that it added $2 million to their war chest in the past quarter, $1.3 million less than the Carson take.
The Draft Ben Carson for President Committee, which has been urging the celebrated doctor and Obamacare critic to run, on Tuesday said it has surpassed $10 million in donations. And at least one news outlet reports that he is on the “verge” of announcing.
“The great success of the draft effort is a testament to our belief that it is Dr. Carson who is best equipped to heal our country,” said committee campaign director Vernon Robinson.
The committee Tuesday morning released fundraising totals and said it collected $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. Overall, they have received money from 100,000 donors, and claim a volunteer base of over 20,000
“Thousands of Americans believe that Dr. Carson is the best hope for our country, and are showing overwhelming support for him to run for the GOP nomination in the 2016,” said Robinson. “Legions of supporters are signing the petition for him to run for president and are contributing to the effort because they want a president who is principled, honest and caring.”
They have been operating a petition drive to encourage Carson to run and claim that the African-American most noted for being the first surgeon to successfully separate conjoined twins joined at the head is listening and ready to toss his hat into the ring.
“Dr. Carson has said he will listen to the clamor of those who want him to run, and is closer to making a decision about running for the GOP presidential nomination. We hope that our continued efforts will achieve that goal,” said John Philip Sousa IV, national chairman of the National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee.
Polls often have Carson near the top of GOP presidential polls and news outlets, including Bloomberg, claim he is on the “verge” of announcing.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
