Romney's exit unleashes race for donors

Des Moines - Mitt Romney's exit from the 2016 presidential campaign has unleashed a frenzy of fresh fundraising and opened up a new race for the backing of donors who had remained loyal to him.

Big dollars were said to flow immediately on Friday to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also claimed the support of others who were waiting on Romney - the 2012 Republican presidential nominee - to make a decision about 2016.

None of the Republican candidates considering a run has formally gotten into the race. But most have established committees that effectively serve as campaigns-in-waiting.

The competition for donors is fierce. Commitments signal the potential strength of a fledgling campaign and can lay the groundwork for more fundraising to come.