The frontrunners in Virginia’s open U.S. Senate race are making a last-minute push for campaign cash ahead of the quarterly deadline for campaign finance reports.
Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican George Allen — virtually tied in the polls and very close in fundraising — sent letters to supporters in recent days in hopes of boosting their coffers. In a race garnering considerable national attention, a strong third quarter showing from either of the candidates could translate into a lead on the trail, or at least that’s how campaigns will spin it.
On Saturday, Kaine operatives forwarded an email from former Rep. Tom Perriello asking for contributions on Kaine’s behalf. A preface to Perriello’s message from Kaine finance director Jenny Nadicksbernd explicitly highlighted “the importance of showing our fundraising strength ahead of the Sept. 30th FEC deadline.”
An email to supporters today from Allen’s campaign said the time between now and Sept. 30 were “critical final days” for them to reach “critical third quarter goals.”
Both emails took shots at the sources of their opponent’s funds. Perriello said Allen’s money came from “shadowy groups — like (Republican strategist) Karl Rove’s organization that accepts limitless, anonymous contributions,” while Allen noted, “Kaine can count on President Obama’s high-dollar, big money bundlers.”
According to the last round of reports for the period ending June 30, Allen has raised $2.8 million with $1.6 million left to spend. Kaine brought in $2.3 million and has $1.9 million on hand. Both candidates face primary opposition, though Allen has a tougher road with Tea Party favorite Jamie Radtke in the mix and two others who have raised more than $200,000.
