Article snippet: Democratic presidential hopefuls are facing a critical test of their momentum and viability in the first-quarter fundraising deadline. Some, such as MORE, are passing with flying colors. The South Bend, Ind., mayor reported raising an impressive $7 million in the two months since he began exploring the White House race. The figure is a significant one for a candidate who has only really seen his national profile soar in the wake of a CNN town hall event last month. In the 24 hours after his appearance at that event, Buttigieg’s team said he raised more than $600,000. Other candidates are on track to surpass Buttigieg’s first-quarter haul, though they have not yet released fundraising estimates. Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), for example, said he raked in more than $6 million in the 24 hours after announcing his candidacy last month. He raised more than $1 million over the first weekend alone, according to his campaign. Sen. MORE (I-Vt.), another proven fundraising giant, said he brought in nearly $6 million in the first 24 hours of his White House bid and finished his first week on the campaign trail with a $10 million haul. Still, Buttigieg’s first-quarter fundraising haul sends a signal to other candidates that the Democratic race is anyone’s game. “This is a wide open race, where in a very short time someone like Mayor Buttigieg goes from dark horse to first or second tier,” said John Lapp, a veteran Democratic strategist. Candidates have until April 15 ... Link to the full article to read more