GOP fret about Obama's fundraising prowess

WASHINGTON, June 5 (UPI) -- Republican officials say they're concerned about campaign finances now that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is the likely Democratic U.S. presidential nominee.

Obama's fund-raising machine -- which took in $272 million through April for the primaries -- is reaching out to Hillary Clinton's fundraisers, who raised $200 million in April as well, The Politico reported Thursday. Presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona raised $18 million in April after claiming his party's nomination.

If Obama's supporters each contribute $250, the U.S. senator from Illinois would have $375 million during the two-month general election season after party conventions, the Washington publication theorized. During that same period, presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona would have about $85 million because he decided take advantage of public financing to help underwrite his campaign.

"McCain has to make every dollar count in the general election and Obama will have money to burn," said Evan Tracey, co-founder of Campaign Media Analysis Group.