Dollars For Democrats

By KAREN TUMULTY

Knowing that money begets money in politics, Democratic presidential candidates last week started announcing their first-quarter fund-raising results. The full reports aren't due until April 15. Here's what to look for:

JOHN EDWARDS $7.4 mil. The N.C. Senator's haul surprised all. But how's he doing with donors outside his old profession, trial law?

JOHN KERRY $7 mil. Disappointing total for the supposed front runner. He's splurging on campaign staff; are budget troubles ahead?

DICK GEPHARDT $3.6 mil. The former House leader should have a broad donor network. But he's in third place, so who's he missing?

JOE LIEBERMAN $3 mil. Al Gore's former running mate blames a late start for surprisingly low funds. That excuse only works once.

HOWARD DEAN $2.6 mil. The former Vermont Governor rode antiwar fervor. But he'll need more to have a shot. --By Karen Tumulty