Capitol View: January 7, 2010 Archive

Emmer campaign says it raised $115,000 in '09

Posted at 10:19 AM on January 7, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

State Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, says his campaign for governor raised $115,000 in 2009, and that more than $50,000 of that was collected in December. The campaign didn't put out detailed figures, but says that amount exceeds fundraising goals set when Emmer started his run in July.

Complete reports are due at the end of the month, but some candidates have started releasing their totals early.

On the DFL side Rep. Tom Rukavina announced a few days ago that he raised $135,000 in 2009 and has $60,000 left in the bank.

DFLer Matt Entenza said that his campaign for governor raised more than $300,000 in 2009.

Here's the complete Emmer release:

The Tom Emmer for Governor campaign reported today it raised over $115,000 in 2009, exceeding the goals set by the campaign when it launched in July. The campaign also noted that most of the money came in during the months of November and December, showing great momentum in advance of the February precinct caucuses. Over $50,000 of Emmer's total was raised in the month of December alone.

"I am very pleased with the response we've received from both donors and delegates," said Emmer. "The momentum of our campaign is growing every day as we expand our organization and staff. Raising over $115,000 in the year before the election reinforces the fact that we are a serious, viable campaign."

Rep. Emmer also said this early money will enable the campaign to aggressively compete for the Republican endorsement by hiring staff and communicating with potential delegates to the state convention in April.

In addition to fundraising success, the Emmer campaign is also putting together a grassroots organization to win the Republican Party endorsement. On November 9th Emmer announced the support of eight of his colleagues in the Minnesota House. On December 15th the campaign announced their Congressional District Chairs, including the current GOP Chairs for four of the eight districts.

Thissen raises $253k in '09

Posted at 11:58 AM on January 7, 2010 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Paul Thissen's campaign for governor reports that it raised $253,000 in 2009.

Gia Vitali, Thissen's campaign manager, said Thissen also loaned $20,000 to the campaign in 2009 (Update: The 253,000 number includes the $20,000 loan). She said Thissen has roughly $85,000 left in the bank. Since Thissen formed his campaign committee in November of 2008, he's raised $370,000. Here's the news release:

Bloomington, MN -- Rep. Paul Thissen's campaign for governor announced today that it has brought in more than $370,000 from nearly 1900 donors since beginning the campaign just over a year ago. "I am incredibly grateful and encouraged by the financial support of so many Minnesotans from across the state, especially during these difficult economic times," said Rep. Thissen. "Their support has strengthened my commitment to building a better future for Minnesota's families."

"Our fundraising success shows once again that Paul's message is reaching voters across Minnesota and our campaign continues to grow," said Gia Vitali, Thissen's campaign manager. "The generosity of our donors has allowed us to hire a strong field team to complement our growing and enthusiastic volunteer base. We have come farther, faster than any campaign in the race, and we are confident that our momentum will keep growing right through the general election in November."

Thissen looks forward to receiving the endorsement of the DFL party at the Convention in April, 2010 and has pledged to abide by their decision. "I strongly believe that I am the candidate who can unify our party following the convention this spring and take back the Governor's office for the DFL in November," said Thissen.

During the campaign, Thissen has traveled extensively across Minnesota, visiting 83 counties and talking to thousands of Minnesotans. In October 2009, Thissen received the endorsement of the Minnesota Nurses Association. Thissen chairs the Health and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

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