Rick Perry Reels in $17 Million in Seven Weeks

Republican presidential hopeful Gov. Rick Perry of Texas announced on Wednesday that his presidential campaign brought in more than $17 million during the seven weeks he was an active candidate in the third quarter of 2011. From Aug. 13, the day Perry announced he was running, until Sept. 30, more than 22,000 supporters -- 49 percent of them from the Lone Star State -- contributed to the Perry campaign. The Perry team announced that they had $15 million on hand.

The generous contributions from Americans across the nation prove the overwhelming support for Governor Perrys principled, conservative leadership and vision to get America working again," said Rob Johnson, Perrys campaign manager. The governor will continue traveling the country talking directly to Americans about restoring our economic strength, job creation, and putting our country on a path to prosperity and opportunity for future generations. Governor Perry deeply appreciates the energetic support and hard work of the thousands of Republican volunteers and activists whove helped us build a strong and growing organization in just seven weeks.

Perry is expected to lead the third quarter fundraising. Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts is expected to place second with around $13 million raised in the third quarter.