Texas Gov. Perry raises $17M for GOP presidential nod

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rick Perry raised more than $17 million in his first seven weeks running for president, a large haul that helps cement his status as the top alternative to rival Mitt Romney despite the Texas governor's recent campaign struggles.

GOP opponent Ron Paul, the Texas congressman who is a favorite of libertarians, brought in $8 million and, in doing so, proved that he's in the race for the long-haul even though he hasn't been able to break into the top tier of candidates in national polling.

"We're not competing with people who can wave a magic wand and get money from the big donors," Paul said.

"All donors are not equal, you know. I will take my smaller donations with the enthusiasm of the people who send me the money," he later said of his fervent supporters.

Of the rest of the GOP field, only Romney was expected to come close to either of those totals for the three-month fundraising quarter that ended Sept. 30. The former Massachusetts governor is expected to raise less than the $18 million he brought in during his first three-month fundraising period.