Separating contenders from pretenders
While early polls are important, the first major test of whether a candidate is going to be taken seriously is their fundraising capability. See http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070321/pl_nm/usa_politics_money_dc for another insightful look into the role money plays in the process. With the 3/31 donation deadline approaching, candidates will get a "report card" on 3 counts - total money collected weighed against expectations, number of big donors making maximum contributions ($2300) and number of small "grassroots" donors, showing a wide base of support. This site will keep an eye out for the report and analyses of this important benchmark.
