WASHINGTON
Early fundraising is important for Republicans seeking the distance themselves from the pack, which includes 15 announced candidates so far. Presidential hopefuls want to show they can bring in big checks and attract a broad base of grassroots supporters.
Rubio's total fundraising was well below the
haul of fellow Floridian Jeb Bush, the former governor and early front-runner for the Republican nomination for the November 2016 election.
Bush's campaign raised $11.4 million in the two weeks after he announced his candidacy, but a Super PAC supporting him had raked in $103 million as of the end of June.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas also outstripped Rubio in the three months through June, bringing in more than $51 million including Super PAC fundraising.
Other Republicans, including Rick Perry and Ben Carson, reported more modest fundraising.
Super PACs have shaken up the fundraising landscape because they can raise unlimited sums for political purposes, provided they do not coordinate directly with campaigns.
Presidential candidates must report fundraising figures for the fiscal quarter ending on June 30 to the Federal Election Commission by July 15.
Rubio's campaign said donations came from all 50 states and the median amount was $50. The campaign said support was especially strong in Florida, where supporters gave $2.2 million for his presidential bid.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson; Editing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
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