Supporters of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry say they have raised nearly $17 million, as CNN first reported.

Two Perry-aligned super PACs with similar names raised a total of $12.8 million, while a third group reportedly received a $4 million check from its only donor.

Earlier on Friday, the governor visited New Orleans and spoke at the National Right to Life Convention. Perry called on the GOP to select a nominee who would pick "credentialed conservatives" for the Supreme Court, and talked about the sanctity of life.

"The privileges and freedoms we have are so special and our Founding Fathers understood this so well that the rights we have come from God and not from government," Perry said. "We stand firmly on the principle that from conception until the last breath is drawn, life is sacred."

While Perry's fundraising numbers appear competitive, his early polling numbers do not. He enjoys the support of fewer than 4 percent of GOP primary voters, according to RealClearPolitics average of polls.