Romney fund-raising campaign surpasses $1 million goal

BOSTON — Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has raised more than $2.5 million so far in his fund-raising blitz today, surpassing his $1 million goal in its first hours.

Romney's "National Call Day" at the Boston Convention Center has brought together more than 400 supporters to work the phones using their own personal networks of likely donors to kick-off the first steps toward a White House race.

With a phone call to his older sister Lynn in Michigan, Romney started the fund-raising earlier today asking her for $2,100 — which she enthusiastically agreed to donate. The donations passed $1 million by 11a.m. Mountain Time and hit $2.5 million a few hours later. A final tally will be available later today.

Romney filed papers with the Federal Election Commission last week forming a presidential exploratory committee. This now allows supporters to donate money for his presidential race. Money raised now can be rolled over into his official presidential campaign, if he formally announces his candidacy.

"This is a bit of what the country needs," Romney said, referring to the technology involved with getting the event together and the mixture of people involved in the event.

Utah Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert was among the estimated 350 volunteer callers, which also includes Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, and other elected officials, "dear friends" and some people "from my Olympic days," Romney said.

Callers saw a motivational video before placing their first money requests, showing various elements of Romney's career — including shots of him with President George Bush at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

The video highlighted how the Olympics were in "terrible shape" when Romney took over and the challenge of still holding the Games so soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

It described how Romney is "wicked smart" — to use the Boston vernacular — and helped get everyone in Massachusetts health care coverage without raising taxes.

"I want to see a new American dream," Romney said, which includes strong families, great schools, health care coverage and a safe and prosperous country.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., also have exploratory committees for the Republican nomination.

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