Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said Monday he likes Texas Governor Rick Perry. But Romney said he is more qualified to create jobs. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney raked in $18.25 million in the second quarter of 2011, flexing the financial muscle that has bolstered his status as the de facto frontrunner.

Mitt Romney has spent about a third of the money, leaving his campaign with $12.6 million to carry over into the next quarter. $10.25 million of the total came in a massive one day call-a-thon fundraiser.

Romney easily outpaced his rivals for the GOP nomination. U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas,, who is also known for his ability to raise large amounts of money in short bursts, raised $4.5 million; former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty pulled in $4.2 million; and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman garnered $4.1 million.

While former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Georgia, is reportedly likely to announce he raised about $2 million, Politico reported that his campaign is about a million dollars in debt. Gingrich's campaign has been reeling since a core continent of staffers quit, citing philosophical differences.