2016 money chase: Where the contenders stand

The major 2016 presidential contenders have not declared officially their candidacies, but a slew of politicians — largely on the Republican side— have jumped into the money race in recent weeks as they weigh their options.

Several, including former Florida governor Jeb Bush, will benefit from committees that allow their allies to collect unlimited amounts of cash. Others, such as New Jersey GOP Gov. Chris Christie, have taken a more conservative approach, for the time being, starting leadership PACs that operate under stricter campaign limits. Meanwhile, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, the party’s 2012 and a formidable fundraiser, announced he was not going to make a third run.

The committees allow them to demonstrate early fundraising strength, hire staff and begin to put together the machinery of a presidential campaign.

Under the quirks of federal campaign finance rules, the public won’t see any reports detailing the fundraising and spending by most of these committees until July.

A look at the latest entrants, all Republicans:

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham

Name:

What:

Contribution limits:

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush

Name:

What:

The “Right to Rise” moniker is meant to signal Bush’s focus on helping the middle class.

Contribution limits:

Both committees are registered with the Federal Election Commission and must disclose all contributions that exceed $200.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Name:

What:

Contribution limits:

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal

Name:

What:

Contribution limits:

Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis.

Name:

What:

Contribution limits: