Romney rival tries to boost election fund

White House hopeful Rick Santorum today launched a bid to build a financial war chest to take on Republican rival Mitt Romney after his fighting fund almost ran dry.

Mr Romney still has more than $15million in his account after snatching victory over Mr Santorum in the Iowa caucus.

It is believed Mr Santorum's funds stand at around $200,000, which will leave his campaign struggling in next week's New Hampshire vote. But today the religious group Catholic Vote urged its supporters to support him.

He reached out to conservative voters, saying they should unite behind him to beat Barack Obama in the November election.