WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Possible Republican presidential contender Fred Thompson announced he raised $3.4 million during the month of June, mostly in the southern United States.
A campaign finance report filed Tuesday detailed fundraising efforts by the former U.S. senator from Tennessee while he "tested the waters" for a possible presidential bid in June, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.
The report said more than 70 percent of the money came from southern states.
"The level of support and enthusiasm from people across this country is inspiring," Thompson said. "People are ready for a leader who will change the national attitude from political bickering to a shared vision for our future."
However, critics point out that the $3.4 million still leaves Thompson far behind other presidential hopefuls in fundraising, the Times noted.
"I question whether he has the commitment to follow it through," said U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch. R-Utah, who supports former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination.
"He has never been a particularly strong fundraiser and he demonstrated that by only raising $3 million," Michael Schroeder, former chairman of the California Republican Party and a Romney supporter, told the Times.
