But in March, it was Obama that scooped up the most support from the armed forces — about twice as much as Paul, in fact. Romney remains an also-ran when it comes to backing from the military.

Overall, Paul retains the lead. Analysis of OpenSecrets.org data shows that so far in this election cycle, members of the military who donated more than $200 have given Paul’s campaign about $333,134, versus $184,505 to Obama and just $45,738 to Romney.

But in March, Obama and Paul switched places. Members of the military sent $36,448 to Obama and just $17,733 to Paul. Even though Romney solidified his position as the presumptive Republican nominee, military donations to his campaign remained anemic — only $8,630.

Paul has enjoyed wide fundraising advantages with every branch of the military so far in the cycle, outraising Obama at a rate of two-to-one; the only branch where it’s close is the U.S. Coast Guard, whose members have sent Paul $13,569, and Obama $11,752, while Romney’s received nothing. But in March, for each branch, the numbers flipped in the president’s favor. For instance, Obama has been the runner-up to Paul during the current cycle for the affections of the Army, picking up $46,624, less than half of Paul’s take of $100,233. But in March, donations from mililtary and civilian Army employees went the other way nearly two-to-one: $4,857 to Paul, and $10,568 to Obama. Members of the Coast Guard gave Obama $5,750 in March, versus $201 to Paul and none to Romney.

The only military services that continued to favor Paul in March were the National Guard (from which Obama received no contributions), the Marines, and the Air Force. (Donors who just put down “military” as their employer, rather than a particular branch, also preferred Paul).

The table below shows donations from military and civilian employees of the military, as well as the Department of Defense, in March.

Donor Obama Romney Paul National Guard $0 $0 $902 US Air Force $1,730 $250 $5,793 US Army $10,568 $5,630 $4,857 US Coast Guard $5,750 $0 $201 US Dept of Defense $10,700 $1,000 $201 US Marine Corps $450 $0 $902 US Military $500 $0 $1,250 US Navy $6,750 $1,750 $3,627 Total $36,448 $8,630 $17,733

And this table shows presidential donations from military and civilian employees of the military, as well as the Department of Defense, since Jan. 1, 2011.

Donor Obama Romney Paul National Guard $1,762 $0 $13,676 US Air Force $21,866 $7,900 $75,652 US Army $46,624 $22,338 $100,233 US Coast Guard $11,752 $0 $13,569 US Dept of Defense $68,993 $6,100 $32,680 US Marine Corps $4,368 $1,000 $19,647 US Military $1,774 $0 $4,620 US Navy $27,366 $8,400 $73,057 Total $184,505 $45,738 $333,134



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About The Author Russ joined the Center in March 2012 as the money-in-politics reporter. His duties include reporting for OpenSecrets Blog and assisting with press inquiries. Russ has a background in investigative journalism, having worked as a reporter for the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University, and he spent five years as a newspaper reporter in New Hampshire. He has a degree in political science from Muhlenberg College and a M.A. in journalism and public affairs from American University. Follow Russ Choma

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