Candidates for Virginia Sen. Jim Webb's seat announced their first-quarter fundraising totals this week. Democratic nominee Tim Kaine raised $2.2 million this quarter, whereas Republican candidate George Allen, his fellow former state governor, brought in $1.4 million.
Kaine's fundraising increases his total cash-on-hand revenue to $4.4 million, compared to $2.66 million for Allen.
Kyle Kondik, director of communications at the University's Center for Politics, said the contest is "a toss-up race," which will have a lot to do with "who wins the presidential race in Virginia."
Kaine's campaign issued a press release Tuesday saying it had raised a total of $7.4 million from more than 19,000 donors since the start of the campaign, including 6,000 new donors this past quarter.
"We are extremely proud that thousands of Virginians have embraced Gov. Kaine's commitment to bring Virginia answers to Washington," Kaine spokesperson Brandi Hoffine said in the statement. "The thousands of new low-dollar [less than $200] donors from this quarter alone are another testament to the growing enthusiasm for our campaign."
Allen's campaign has also made sure to thank donors for their continued support and confidence in Allen's ability to bring "positive change" to the Senate.
"The generosity we have seen from people in every region of Virginia is truly heartening," Allen said in a statement released Tuesday. "We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside so many caring people who share our vision for a better future than the one we are having to endure these days."
Kondik said any fundraising discrepancy would become less significant if a Super Political Action Committee stepped in and donated money to Allen's campaign. He said Super PACs are generally more supportive of Republican rather than Democratic candidates.
"I don't think [the difference between Kaine's and Allen's fundraising] matters a ton," Kondik said. "Whatever fundraising problems that Allen might have, if those do in fact exist, Super PACs may in fact balance things out."
Kondik also emphasized the candidate who raises the most money does not always win the election, pointing to Allen raising $16.1 million in 2006 and still losing to Webb, who had raised $8.6 million.
The election will be held Nov. 6.
-compiled by Krista Pedersen
Read More
Advancement Committee reports Honor the Future campaign milestone
By Nicolas Biernacki | 8 hours agoThe Honor the Future campaign was launched in 2019 with the pillars of sustaining education, securing democracy and driving research, and will officially end June 30.
Health System Board discusses two recent $25 million donations
By Nina Broderick | 2 days agoThe Board also discussed the goals and vision of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology and voted to approve the fiscal year 2026 operating budget.
Honor Committee discusses fall Support Officer recruitment
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoThe Support Officer pool is chosen by existing Senior Support Officers and the Selection and Recruitment Committee members through an application and interview process.
