Mitt Romney's Personal Donations Outpace Steve Forbes In '96

The Forbes name may be synonymous with deep pockets and old money, but current presidential contender Mitt Romney is outpacing even Steve Forbes when it comes to financing his ambition for the Oval Office.

A successful financial management consultant and venture capitalist who made millions before running for political office, has loaned himself $17.4 million to date for his Republican primary bid, according to the latest campaign finance reports. That sums outdoes Forbes, who loaned himself $16.5 million during the same period of his Republican primary run in 1995.

Romney has a long way to go before he surpasses Forbes entirely in the money-lending race. For his unsuccessful run in the 1996 election, the publishing heir spent $37.8 million of his own money. For his second bid in 2000, he spent $38 million.