Mike Braun is making money but, while that is good for Republican chances of retaining the Senate, he is going to have to make a lot more.
The Republican raked in $2.5 million in the second quarter. Braun now has more than $1 million on hand, including $1.5 million raised since the day after winning the GOP primary. It’s a decent haul to drive his campaign against incumbent Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind. What’s notable is that Braun isn’t self-funding. According to the campaign, the wealthy businessman hasn’t yet funded his race with personal contributions or loans.
“We’ve had such an incredible groundswell of support from folks who believe in me and my positive message for Hoosiers, and I’m thrilled to see that momentum reflected in what we’ve done here,” Braun said in a boilerplate statement. “One and a half million dollars in less than two months is no easy feat, and I’m honored to see our party fully unified behind retiring Sen. Donnelly this November.”
Braun needs to attract the attention of national party brass to have a chance in November. He needs them to know he is pulling his weight and he is worth their investment. He hopes his numbers make a good case for outside investment.
Indiana is one of the top pickup opportunities for Republicans. Donnelly is vulnerable there because he is a Democrat running in a red state that Donald Trump won by 20 points. But Donnelly will be a tough nut for Braun to crack. Donnelly’s centrist message is compelling, and obviously he can raise money.
According to FEC filings, Donnelly has raised almost $10 million and has more than $6 million on hand.
