Bush Pushes His Fund-Raising Record Beyond $90 Million

WASHINGTON —  George W. Bush broke through the $90-million fund-raising mark last month, but he has less than $1 million a week to spend through the Republican National Convention in early August. Al Gore will be able to spend about the same amount each week.

Bush reported Tuesday that he had $7.1 million in his campaign account at the end of May. He has raised $650,000 so far this month and has another fund-raiser scheduled Friday in Alabama.

Gore reported a bank account balance of $8.3 million. He also expects an additional $1.3 million in federal matching funds. But the Democratic Party convention is Aug. 14-17, two weeks after the Republican meeting July 31-Aug. 3, and Gore’s money will have to last until then.

Following the national conventions, each candidate will receive $67.6 million in federal funds for the general election and cannot raise any more money except to cover legal and accounting costs.

In his monthly filing with the Federal Election Commission, Bush reported raising $6 million in May--10 times more than Gore--bringing his fund-raising total to more than $90 million, twice as much as any presidential candidate ever.

Bush spent $4.9 million last month, bringing his spending total to $83 million, also a new mark for presidential campaigns. More than one-fourth of the total--$22.4 million--went for advertising.

The Texas governor, who is not accepting federal funds for his campaign, can raise and spend as much as he wants. Gore is limited to spending $40.5 million on his campaign through the convention, plus legal and accounting costs, because he is accepting federal funds.