Justin Trudeau leaving other Liberal Party leadership candidates in the dust

Everyone knows that Justin Trudeau is the front runner in the federal Liberal leadership race.

But Trudeau's latest fundraising numbers — in comparison to the 8 other candidates —are simply staggering.

[ Related: Are the federal Liberals in the midst of an epic comeback? ]

According Punditsguide.ca, all 9 candidates have collectively raised about $1.15 million; Trudeau has raised $673,156.53 or 58.4 per cent of the total money. (Incidentally, NDP leader Thomas Mulcair raised $443,357 during that party's leadership race which ended last March).

"If it's not over already, and that's not the writing on the wall, then please just ignore the rubenesque diva in the corner singing swan songs for the also-rans from here until April 14," Alice Funke of PunditsGuide writes.

"It's not nice to call her a fat-lady-singing anyway."

Not surprisingly, it's not a narrative that the other campaigns are buying — at least not publicly.

"It's not up to the media or the pundit class to decide who is in this race and who is not — it's up to the Canadians that sign up as members and supporters of the Liberal Party. And no one else," Jeff Jedras, campaign manager for Deborah Coyne told Yahoo! Canada News.

"We're running a frugal campaign. We're an all-volunteer team. Deborah is travelling the country by car, staying with friends, family and supporters where possible, and she's taking her message directly to the Canadian people."

A spokesperson for leadership candidate and MP Joyce Murray said pretty much the same thing.

"Mr. Trudeau also has been organizing for months prior to the start of the race, yes he had a head start," Brenden Johnstone told Yahoo!.

"Is this all about money? No. Its about building up support across the country.

"Joyce has been receiving great support from all areas and that will become evident once we get closer to the vote."

The less-prosperous candidates will get to take-on Trudeau on Saturday for the party's second of five leadership debates.

[ Related: Candidates fail to impress in first Federal Liberal leadership debate ]

This debate takes place at Winnipeg's Metropolitan Theatre at 1pm local time and will include discussions on agriculture and rural issues, transportation, foreign ownership, export of natural resources and crime prevention.

Liberal leadership contestant fundraising: (Source: PunditsGuide.ca)

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