SO IF MITT ROMNEY IS SO FAR BEHIND IN THE POLLS, HOW IS HE RAISING ALL THAT MONEY?

St. Petersburg Times political writer Adam C. Smith looks at that question today, both in his regular column and in a post on The Buzz political blog.

The former Massachusetts governor and current Republican presidential aspirant has probably spent more time in Florida during the past three months than any of the other candidates. It seems to have worked well for him, as Smith notes:

"In America's biggest swing state, Florida, Romney has won over many of the country's most sophisticated and important fundraisers, from former Ambassador Mel Sembler of St. Petersburg to north-central Florida developer Gary Morse. People gush about a candidate who blends Jeb Bush's bold, policy savvy and Charlie Crist's personal warmth."

While Romney barely shows in many national polls, his campaign raised $23 million during the first quarter of this year, outpacing all GOP rivals and third among all presidential candidates as only Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama raised more.

As Adam C. Smith warns us at the end of his piece today:

"Keep your eye on Romney, the proven turnaround artist who may well be the GOP's best hope."