Changes

====Short form====

====Short form====

The short form analysis is this:  it probably requires a minimum of $50 million in campaign funds to win the nomination, and more if the candidate lacks a strong [[conservative]] base.  Many of the candidates are probably looking to big fundraisers for support, but they are unsure of whom to back.  Karl Rove, with all of his contacts from the Bush years, may be able to raise $20 million for a candidate; Haley Barbour might be able to raise even more.  Fox News and its allies can raise eight figures also, as they helped reelect [[John McCain]] as senator in 2010.

The short form analysis is this:  it probably requires a minimum of $25 million in campaign funds to win the nomination, and more if the candidate lacks a strong [[conservative]] base.  Many of the candidates are probably looking to big fundraisers for support, but they are unsure of whom to back.  Karl Rove, with all of his contacts from the Bush years, may be able to raise $20 million for a candidate; Haley Barbour might be able to raise even more.  Fox News and its allies can raise eight figures also, as they helped reelect [[John McCain]] as senator in 2010.

The fundraising obstacle is no problem for Mitt Romney.  Michelle Bachmann could reach that goal also, and benefits from having a strong conservative base too.  Ron Paul could sustain his campaign as he did in 2008, relying heavily on the internet.  But others lacking in a strong base will struggle unless they can obtain the support of either the Bush/Rove group, or Barbour's network, or Fox News and its allies.

The fundraising obstacle is no problem for Mitt Romney.  Michelle Bachmann could reach that goal also, and benefits from having a strong conservative base too.  Ron Paul could sustain his campaign as he did in 2008, relying heavily on the internet.  But others lacking in a strong base will struggle unless they can obtain the support of either the Bush/Rove group, or Barbour's network, or Fox News and its allies.