Mitt Romney raises $18 million for presidential campaign, setting pace for GOP

Mitt Romney’s campaign announced Wednesday that it had raised $18.25 million in the latest fundraising period, a total well beyond the war chests of his rivals in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.

The total disclosed includes only funds that were raised for use in the primary election. The Federal Election Commission limits individual contributions to $2,500 each for the primary and general-election phases of the campaign.

The Romney camp said it has $12.6 million cash on hand to spend in the primaries, and that contributions came from all 50 states and theDistrict of Columbia.

“Voters are responding to Mitt Romney’s message that President Obama’s policies have failed and that we need new leadership in Washington. Our fundraising for the second quarter represents the strong support Mitt Romney has across the country,” Romney national finance chairman Spencer Zwick said in a statement.

Uncertainty about the GOP field in 2012 has suppressed the donations to campaigns this year, with independent groups benefiting.

On Tuesday, Restore Our Future, a pro-Romney “super PAC,” announced it had raised $12 million in the first half of the year. The group cannot coordinate with the Romney campaign.

No other candidate is expected to come close to former Massachusetts governor. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced raising $4.2 million in the second quarter, while former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman brought in $4.1 million after launching his campaign last month -- a total that includes a sizable personal contribution.