Webb's Fundraising Strength Puts VA-Sen Clearly on the Map

[cal04]

Even as freshman GOP Sen. George Allen of Virginia began to implode two months ago and his Democratic challenger, former Reagan Navy Secy. Jim Webb, began to dramatically narrow Allen's lead in the polls, many were still incredulous that the Virginia Senate race could become one of the nation's most competitive this year. After all, even if Allen was clearly faltering, Webb was seriously underfunded; as of the last filing deadline three months ago, Allen held better than a 15 to 1 cash-on-hand advantage over Webb. But as The Washington Post's Michael D. Shear reports, not only has Webb ticked up in the polls, he has also picked up his fundraising pace.

Virginia Democratic Senate candidate James Webb will report having raised more than $3 million during the past three months, according to two sources familiar with the campaign.


Webb, a former Marine and first-time politician, has struggled to compete with Allen's fundraising prowess. After winning the Democratic primary in July, Webb was left with almost no money, while Allen had a war chest with almost $7 million.

But controversies that have dogged Allen during the past six weeks have boosted contributions to Webb, the Democrat's campaign aides said.

This report comes simultaneously as new polling data show the race tied.

http://mydd.com/story/2006/9/30/112317/420
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/29/AR2006092901576.html

[gulliver]

1. I contributed to Webb's campaign a couple of days ago.

Feels great!

http://www.webbforsenate.com/

[AX10]

2. $3 million in three months!

That must be record for someone in Webb's position. He now has enough money to run tv ads.