(CNN) - Wall Street is already digging deep to line the pockets of contenders for President.
In a look at the latest numbers for the GOP, Mitt Romney is way out in front. The Center for Responsive Politics says the former Massachusetts Governor has received more than $3.8 million dollars from Wall Street stockbrokers, brokerage companies, and bond dealers through December 5th.
Romney's take is about five times more than rest of his competitors combined.
Next is Texas Governor Rick Perry, followed by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Texas Congressman Ron Paul and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachman with the rest trailing her. "You want to make nice with everybody if you're a donor at this early stage in the race. I think typically when you talk about the financial sector you're going to see donors giving more broadly to the more establishment-friendly kind of Republicans. You're Mitt Romneys, Jon Huntsman, Rick Perry, all of those candidates raised a lot of money on Wall Street," says Peter Hamby, CNN Political Reporter.
Who are the top donors? Remember, these are not necessarily the companies themselves. They include individuals who work for Wall street firms or political action committees associated with those companies. At the top is Goldman Sachs, with $2 million dollars. Goldman is also Romney's top Wall Street donor.
Next is Bain Capital, a firm whose specialties include corporate takeovers. Romney is a former director there and still has ties, but donors tied to Bain give the majority of their money to Democrats.
Paulson and Company, a hedge fund, ranks third.
How is President Obama faring? He's certainly been at odds with Wall Street from time to time. That's true because of regulations in the wake of the financial crisis. And so far, GOP candidates, including house and senate leaders, are getting nearly 75 percent of the Wall Street dollars, compared to more than 25 percent for Democrats. Still, President Obama is cashing in, collecting $1.8 million dollars. That trails Romney, but of course, it's still early.
