Bachmann Dominating Among Small Donors

Small donors are flocking to Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who has signaled she’s close to officially jumping into the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Three-quarters of the $1.7 million she raised in the three months of this year came from donors who gave less than $200, USA Today reported Friday.

Bachmann, known for her fundraising prowess, could challenge President Barack Obama’s dominance among small donors. Obama raised $235 million out of $745 million during his presidential run in 2008 from small donors, setting the standard.

In her fundraising solicitation, Bachmann notes what Obama expects to raise in his attempt to retain the White House.

"I am hoping to evaluate the support I might receive as a presidential candidate," Bachmann said in a May 6 email to supporters.

"Any support you show today will be included in this evaluation. Barack Obama is expected to raise and spend $1 billion on his re-election campaign. So, if you think I should throw my hat in the ring, please make a special donation today by following this link."

Political watchers are noticing her success with small donors.

"While Bachmann has not yet proven that she could scale up her fundraising capacity for the money needed to compete in a presidential rather than a congressional contest, her small-donor fundraising rate so far this year is higher than Obama's -- and exceeds that of the top Republican contenders four years ago," the CRP said.