Republican Karen Handel received help on Monday from Vice President Mike Pence as she tries to hold off Democratic fundraising juggernaut Jon Ossoff in the special election for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District.
Pence signed an email fundraising appeal for the Handel campaign with 15 days remaining before and on the eve of the first televised debate between the two candidates running for the GOP-leaning suburban Atlanta House seat, vacated by Republican Tom Price, now President Trump’s health and human services secretary.
Handel needs the assistance.
Ossoff raised more than $8.3 million in the first three months of the year, as energized Democrats from around the country poured money into his campaign in the hopes of bringing Trump down a peg by flipping a House seat that has been in Republican hands for nearly 40 years. And, Ossoff’s brisk fundraising has continued apace since then.
Handel raised under $500,000 during the same period. But she advanced to the June 20 runoff by beating several other Republicans, while Ossoff had no competition on the Democratic side. Handel has since received help from a collection of Republican groups who have made sure that Ossoff couldn’t outspend her.
Trump also hosted a fundraiser for Handel in Atlanta; it brought in approximately $750,000. Below is the text of Pence’s email appeal.
This is it – we have less than 3 weeks left until the Georgia Special Election.
Democrats have been trying desperately to hand President Trump and Republicans a defeat following the November elections. This is their last chance, David. The momentum is clearly on our side, and now we can’t let up for a moment. We MUST finish strong to win the special election. It’s a close race – but with your help, I know we’ll win. Time is running out, so make your most generous possible contribution. Every bit of support will help secure another vote to put Karen Handel over the top. Thank you! For a stronger America, Vice President Mike Pence
