Florida Democrats Hold Rare Fund-Raising Edge in 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign

Strategic Insights -

Florida Democrats have maintained a slim lead in fund-raising in the 2010 gubernatorial campaign, with Democratic candidate Alex Sink expected to report $1.6 million in contributions between July 1 and September 30, bringing her total to about $4 million. Republican candidate Bill McCollum reported $852,917 in contributions during the same period, bringing his total to nearly $1.9 million. The Democrats' advantage in fund-raising has been largely driven by Sink's campaign, which has also received significant support from the state Democratic Party.

Key Takeaways:

  • Democratic candidate Alex Sink is expected to report $1.6 million in contributions between July 1 and September 30, with a total of about $4 million raised.
  • Republican candidate Bill McCollum reported $852,917 in contributions during the same period, bringing his total to nearly $1.9 million.
  • The state Democratic Party is expected to report nearly $2.5 million raised during the third quarter.
  • The Republican Party of Florida is expected to report about $4 million in contributions for the period.
  • Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp reported raising $175,419 for his campaign for attorney general, which he launched in late July.
  • Former state party chairman Scott Maddox reported more than $170,000 in contributions after opening his campaign in July.
  • In the race for attorney general, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said he raised about $315,000 during the third quarter.
  • State Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, reported raising $540,999 during the third quarter, bringing his overall total to more than $1 million.

Statistics:

  • $1.6 million: Expected contributions for Alex Sink between July 1 and September 30.
  • $4 million: Total contributions for Alex Sink in the 2010 gubernatorial campaign.
  • $852,917: Contributions for Bill McCollum during the third quarter.
  • $1.9 million: Total contributions for Bill McCollum in the 2010 gubernatorial campaign.
  • $2.5 million: Expected contributions for the state Democratic Party during the third quarter.
  • $4 million: Expected contributions for the Republican Party of Florida during the third quarter.
  • $175,419: Contributions reported by Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp for his campaign for attorney general.
  • $170,000: Contributions reported by former state party chairman Scott Maddox.
  • $315,000: Contributions raised by state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, for attorney general.
  • $540,999: Contributions reported by State Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, during the third quarter.

Sources:

  • George Bennett, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer, george_bennett@pbpost.com
  • Report by the Palm Beach Post, citing various campaign finance reports