Obama looks for funds as reporting deadline nears

The Obama campaign had a good fundraising day in Ohio raking in possibly as much as $500,000 in Cinncinati and more than $100,000 in Columbus. A smaller amount was raised at a downtown Cleveland event and at least $75,000 in Kentucky. The candidate will try to make as much money as possible before the end of March to show that he no lightweight in the fundraising department.

One could say that he should have at least $10 million to look viable although others will insist he needs at least $20 million or even $40 million. One doesn't know where these higher figures come from as Howard Dean had raised only about $25 million by the end of September in the last Democratic primary.

Steve Westly the ex-Ebay founder and former state controller is arranging a big $1,000 a plate San Francisco Bay Area dinner for Obama in March. There are similar big events scheduled in New York and elsewhere.

The big factor though in Obama's campaign that doesn't show up in campaign financial reports is his huge fan base that no other candidate comes close to approaching. If these supporters volunteer work hours that's as good as money as long as the energy is focused on winning other supporters.

Democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally Monday, Feb. 26, 2007, at Cuyahoga Community College, in Highland Hills, Ohio. AP Photo/Tony Dejak via Yahoo News.