Rob McKenna, in his bid to become Washington’s first Republican governor in over a quarter century, filed campaign reports today for his final 2011 fundraising totals, with a staggering $1,145,367.61 raised in just 27 days in November. That brings his total raised, in less than six months of campaigning, to $3,760,525.21.
"I continue to be overwhelmed by the support for my New Direction for Washington," said McKenna, who is currently serving his second term as Attorney General. "The people of Washington know that state government is broken, and their support of my campaign demonstrates they have confidence that I provide the change in leadership we need to fix the problems in Olympia."
McKenna announced his campaign for Governor on June 8, and in less than six months he has received contributions from 16,922 donors, including 13,299 supporters who had never given to him before.
"The sheer number of new members of Team McKenna is truly gratifying and humbling,” said McKenna. “The enthusiasm and energy that these new supporters bring to our campaign will help carry us to victory in 2012."
State law prohibits McKenna from raising any more money until the Legislature adjourns its 2012 regular session, which is currently scheduled to be March 8. His fundraising totals will remain frozen until then. The campaign reports a cash-on-hand balance of $2,442,803.74, with no outstanding debt. The more than $3.76 million total raised includes less than three percent ($97,021.59) transferred from his Attorney General re-election campaign account and no money contributed by the state Republican party.
"The support for Rob McKenna is even more impressive when you consider the dismal totals reported by his likely opponent, Congressman Jay Inslee," said Randy Pepple, campaign Manager for Friends of Rob McKenna. “Congressman Inslee reported raising less than half as much as Rob McKenna, even though the Congressman had the full month to raise money, and he spent more than our campaign did while finishing with less money in the bank and over $50,000 in debts.
"Congressman Inslee continues to be propped up by the state Democrat party and his federal campaign funds, not new donors in Washington State,” continued Pepple. “It appears that more than one third of his campaign total has come in transfers from the party – over $360,000 – and his congressional re-election account (over $500,000), though a precise figure isn’t available since his campaign does not seem able to file timely records on where its funds are coming from."
