Competitive Battle for Colorado's 7th District Intensifies

As the second-quarter fundraising numbers approach, Republican Rick O'Donnell's campaign has maintained its financial lead in the battle for Colorado's top swing seat, with a total of $1,245,000 raised this election cycle and $859,000 banked as of June 30. However, Democrats Ed Perlmutter and Peggy Lamm have remained competitive, with Perlmutter raising over $300,000 and Lamm raising $243,000 in the second quarter. The underdog Democrat Herb Rubenstein has kept his efforts alive by loaning $50,000 to his campaign, which he will use to fund a television ad touting his stance against the war in Iraq.

Key Takeaways:

Republican candidate Rick O'Donnell has raised $1,245,000 this election cycle and has a bank balance of $859,000 as of June 30.
Democrat candidate Ed Perlmutter has raised over $1 million, with about $515,000 still on hand.
Democrat candidate Peggy Lamm has raised $650,000, but has not disclosed her current cash on hand.
Underdog Democrat Herb Rubenstein has loaned his campaign $100,000, with only $19,000 paid back.
The race remains competitive, with President Bush set to headline a $1,000-a-plate fundraising luncheon in Denver on July 21.
Demographics will likely play a crucial role in the primary, with Perlmutter and Lamm vying for support from the state Democratic Party.
Lamm will need to find a way to distinguish herself from Perlmutter if she hopes to win the primary.

Statistics:

O'Donnell's campaign raised $305,000 in the second quarter, his most successful quarter to date.
Perlmutter's campaign estimated that it raised just over $300,000 in the second quarter.
Lamm's campaign raised $243,000 in the second quarter.
Rubenstein's campaign had a bank balance of $50,000 as of June 30, which is the same amount he loaned his campaign.
President Bush will headline a $1,000-a-plate fundraising luncheon in Denver on July 21.

Sources:

"O'Donnell keeps fundraising edge" by Chris Barge, Rocky Mountain News, no date cited