Northeast Ohioans have shelled out about $786,000 to candidates, with about three quarters going to Democrats.
In Akron and Cleveland metropolitan areas, Senator Barack Obams leads with over $158,000. Senator John Edwards is second with about $150,000; Senator Hillary Clinton ranks third with just over $136,675.
Democratic Candidates are excited to come to Ohio, even though our primary isn't until March, says Randy Bontrager of the state democratic party.
Randy Bontrager: The candidates are coming here to raise money, and to meet with political leaders because if they know they are one of the leading candidates they have to have an eye toward Ohio. They want to make sure that they meet the right people that will help them if they do win that nomination.
Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman Robert Frost says he believes some of the early fundraising disparity can be credited to the fact that Republican candidates have chosen to campaign and raise funds in early primary states.
However, Frost says, Ohio is starting to come up on their radar.