A super PAC supporting former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina has raised $3.4 million in its opening fundraising report.
Carly For America pulled in the sum since forming in late February.
Mrs. Fiorina — who is the only woman in the sprawling GOP presidential field — has never held elected office, but has gained some ground in recent polls.
She must place among the top 10 candidates, based on an average of polls, in order to take part in the first GOP sanctioned debate in early August.
Political observers say it is critical for her to make the debate stage.
Stephen DeMaura, executive director of the super PAC, has made the case that Mrs. Fiorina has the sort of political makeup that will appeal to various factions of the Republican Party.
He also has said that the super PAC will need somewhere between $5 and $10 million to help Mrs. Fiorina stay competitive in the early states and hang around long enough to shake thing up.
“We are well on our way to meeting the budget we laid out at the beginning and are thankful to have the support of so many people from across the country,” Mr. DeMaura said.
Mrs. Fiorina has numerous campaign events scheduled this week in New Hampshire, host of the first-in-the-nation primary.
Other super PACs also have shared their early fundraising numbers, including the four Keep the Promise super PACs that are backing Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, that raised just under $38 million.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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