Obama raises $25 million

Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) presidential campaign almost matched Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) massive first quarter fundraising effort, raking in $25 million in the first quarter, the Obama camp announced Wednesday.

“This overwhelming response, in only a few short weeks, shows the hunger for a different kind of politics in this country and a belief at the grassroots level that Barack Obama can bring out the best in America to solve our problems,” said Obama’s Finance Chairwoman Penny Pritzker.

Clinton had raised $26 million, the most of any candidate in the first quarter, but Obama is close on her heels.

Obama’s campaign boasted $23.5 million in funds eligible for the Democratic primary race. The campaign received contributions from over 100,000 people and raised $6.9 million from over 50,000 donors via the Internet.