Tom Perriello continued his impressive fundraising in rural Virginia last quarter, raising over $340,000 last quarter and now with over $500k Cash on Hand. With this support, Perriello has now been made a top-tier race against the bigoted Virgil Goode by the DCCC.
What is even more impressive is how his money comes from individuals from the entire district (the size of New Jersey), whereas much of Goode’s money comes from PAC’s and corporate lobbyists.
When Perriello initially announced his fundraising numbers, Goode campaign manager Tucker Watkins said that “Goode didn’t try to raise a lot of funds in 2007 because it was an off year for federal elections” and “It’s nothing to brag about that he did better than Virgil in 2007.”
Well Goode has certainly been trying in 2008, but he has failed again to match Perriello’s numbers. That’s despite almost $113,000 coming from PAC’s from DC, TX, NC, MD, CA and other special interests.
The full press release follows:
The first quarter fundraising reports just filed with the Federal Election Commission showed that Democratic challenger Tom Perriello has outraised incumbent Rep. Virgil Goode for the third straight quarter in the race for the fifth congressional district. Based on Perriello’s record-breaking support from across the district, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently added the race to its list of national target races.
“I am really inspired that so many people across the district have made it possible for us to match up against someone who has been doing politics for so many years and has raised over $1.5 million from corporate lobbyists. This year is our best chance to reclaim politics for the people of this district instead of the powerful interests entrenched in Washington,” said Perriello.
In the first quarter of 2008, the Perriello campaign raised more support from inside the district than Congressman Goode raised in all of 2007. Perriello raised over $340,000 in the first quarter of 2008, with 98% of donations coming from individuals. Rep. Goode has raised over $1.5 million from corporate and DC lobbyists during his congressional career, including over $100,000 from oil, gas, and electric utility interest groups.
“People from every corner of the Fifth district are responding to our focus on right and wrong instead of right and left. People clearly want new leaders who care more about fixing problems than finding someone to blame for them. We need jobs for Southside, healthcare for all, and a sustainable solution in Iraq,” said Perriello.
With seven months until Election Day, the Perriello campaign has already raised more than any previous Democratic challenger to Rep. Goode. The campaign has raised over $600,000 and reports over $500,000 cash on hand. Along with its record-breaking fundraising, the Perriello campaign has logged over 1600 volunteer hours. Mr. Perriello has been on the road for the past two weeks, meeting with voters from 14 different counties and municipalities. The campaign has opened offices in Franklin County, Danville, and Charlottesville.