Allen Rakes In $1.5 Million in First Quarter
As expected, Virginia Senate candidate George Allen flew out of the gates to turn in an impressive first-quarter fundraising haul.
The Allen campaign announced Tuesday that it raised more than $1.5 million in the first three months of the year and ended the quarter with $1.25 million in cash on hand. The Republican entered the race Jan. 24, meaning he raised on average $150,000 per week through the March 31 fundraising deadline.
“It is truly invigorating to see the enthusiasm and momentum build throughout Virginia,” Allen said. “Our race will be hard fought and very likely determine control of the U.S. Senate and the direction of our country. I look forward to continuing to build a strong team of grass-roots supporters who will work to bring the voices and values of Virginians to Washington.”
Allen, a former Senator and governor, gave an indication of his fundraising heft last week when he released his first piece of direct mail — more than a year before the GOP primary.
Awaiting him in the general election will likely be fellow former Gov. Tim Kaine, who announced his campaign shortly after the fundraising deadline. He will have some catching up to do, but as the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, fundraising is not expected to be an issue.