| TEC reports will becoming out fast and furious today, and leading the charge is Democratic candidate for Governor Bill White, who reports $9 million cash on hand, and over $7.4 million raised since the last February reporting deadline. Strong numbers from the challenger, whose vigorous fundraising effort clearly matches his relentless campaigning in cities and counties across Texas.
The numbers are impressive:
- $16.6 million raised since White declared for Governor.
- $9 million cash on hand, providing a solid pool of resources for a real statewide effort.
- Over 16,000 donors across Texas, including 11,700 new contributors since the primary.
- 75% of donors this period gave less than $100, demonstrating a broad, grassroots base of small-donor support.
- Contributors from over 200 counties, some of which Governor Perry hasn't visited in the 10 years he's been in office.
Here's the official release from the campaign:
Strong fundraising results show momentum building for Bill White
Over 16,000 contributors back successful businessman, popular mayor
HOUSTON -- At the end of the last filing period on June 30, more than 16,000 supporters had contributed to Bill White's campaign for governor, propelling White towards November with over $9 million cash on hand.
Grassroots support for White is strong. More than 75 percent of individual contributors gave $100 or less and over 11,700 new contributors joined the team this period.
"Texans from all backgrounds and political viewpoints see Bill White as someone who's in it for Texas. People in over 200 Texas counties have generously contributed to the campaign, and over 11,700 contributors this period were first-time donors," said Scott Atlas, Campaign Finance Chair. "There's a growing sense that Texans are ready for a new governor."
In the first two fundraising periods after entering the governor's race, White raised more dollars than Perry. Between late February and the end of June, contributors poured more than $7.4 million into White's campaign, with more than $16.6 million raised for his campaign for governor since December 4.
A very strong showing for White, demonstrating the statewide grassroots enthusiasm for his campaign, along with a total that suggests some serious big-money donors throwing their weight behind the challenger.
Best of all, the growing list of new donors represents a pool that the White campaign can return to time and again as we approach November, giving him a broad and deep base of financial support on which to mount his challenge to our failed incumbent.
We'll have more specifics on White's numbers as the full report becomes available, but already it's clear that Bill White is working hard to build a real grassroots network of support across Texas. Are people ready for a new governor yet? More an more, the answer looks like a resounding YES. |
