Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney makes a fundraising stop in Boca Raton

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Florida gets a lot of attention because of the role it plays on election day. But even 13 months before any votes are cast in the race for president, top candidates are hitting Florida to win another important battle: the race for cash.

Analysts say former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is playing a game of tortoise and hare with Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Many political pros called Romney the winner of last week's Florida debate.

But opinion polls have Texas Governor Rick Perry as the front-runner for now in the GOP contest.

Romney hopes fundraising events, like the one he held Tuesday night in Boca Raton -- which cost an estimated $1,000 to $2,500 per person -- will help him chip away at Perry's lead.

"Right now, Romney wants to focus on his fundraising. If he has a real good quarter, and beats Perry in the fundraising this quarter, that will say a lot about his campaign," said Dr. Robert Watson, a Lynn University political professor.

Romney's host Tuesday night was venture capitalist Marc Leder.

"He's a financier, he's a merger guy. They usually pack a big wallet, they have a lot of rich friends, I would expect them to raise a lot of money...in Boca," said Mark Foley, a former Republican congressman and current radio talk show host.

Florida has been a fundraising machine for Romney this year. At last report in June, he'd raised $1.5 million, more than President Barack Obama and more than all other republicans combined.

In Palm Beach County, he's raised $350,000.

Foley, who has raised money for his campaigns in similar circles, says Romney has one big thing to worry about: political donors often hedge bets by giving to two candidates.

And with Perry doing well in polls, the battle for money -- the fuel for any campaign -- will only intensify.

"Most of his message has already been delivered. He has to convince some nervous people...that he can beat Rick Perry. And right now, there is doubt," said Foley.

Rick Perry will be in West Palm Beach Wednesday for his own fundraiser. He is hoping his first financial report will be as strong as Romney's.

There is a debate and straw poll scheduled for this weekend in Orlando.

The winner of that is hoping for a fresh burst of momentum.