With federal campaign-finance reports for the first quarter of 2014 due on April 15, you can expect to see a lot of campaigns releasing their totals over the next few days. The first one that we’ve seen comes from Republican Martha McSally, who had a titanic haul that fell just short of $450,000. McSally is aiming for a rematch against Democratic Congressman Ron Barber, whom she narrowly lost to in 2012.
The press release from McSally:
Retired Air Force Colonel Martha McSally announced today another exceptional fundraising quarter, raising more than $449,000 in the three month period that ended March 31 and proving strong enthusiasm in her campaign to oust incumbent Ron Barber. McSally has raised over $1.1 million since last July when she filed her candidacy for this race that is seen as a top competitive race in the nation this year.
“I am honored to announce that our rematch campaign continues to build extraordinary momentum and so many people are willing to invest in my call to duty to serve Southern Arizona in Congress,” McSally said. “Southern Arizonans want leadership in Congress and know that we aren’t getting it now. I am humbled that our campaign has earned this level of substantial support, and more than ever, I am confident we will have the resources and momentum to replace Congressman Barber in November.”
This is the third consecutive successful quarter for McSally, and her largest to date for the 2014 cycle.
This article appears in Apr 10-16, 2014.
Another Arizona tea bag that won’t state her position on any controversial issue. Cut Social Security? Cut Medicare? Gay marriage? Are you happy to be the beneficiary of the Koch brothers-funded ads running attacking Ron Barber? Do you support the Citizens United decision? Martha? Crickets.
At least she is not a Socialist Progressive.
Regarding the $449,000: if this money is coming from thousands of residents within the District, it is one thing, but if it is coming from a few major fat cats who do not even live in the district, it is quite another thing for democracy.
How would you know, Fraser? She doesn’t have a stated position on anything!
Sadly, it is more likely this money came from a few rich donors (that do not even have to hide thanks to the Supreme Court) than the actual residents of CD2. I do have an issue that she does not state any stance on important issues on her website. I think the early attacks that the far right radio talk show hosts have made her nervous about coming out on issues. The “Tea Party” does not want her to go against Barber, even though a moderate Republican taking common sense stances would be a better opponent than a Jesse Kelly far right jack a@@.
It is too bad. I followed her on Facebook. She seems like a really nice person and had a lot of experience working on a team while in the Air Force. She helped give matching funds to the Human Society and is a awesome companion to her dog. It might sound superficial but knowing a person is good caretaker for another life means a lot when I am looking for a person to represent me in Congress. It means they look outside their own interests.
If Ms. McSally reads this post, I ask that she does not let the far right take over her campaign. Please do not get bogged down on wedge issues like raising/lower taxes, abortion, gun rights, gay marriage etc. I DO NOT CARE ABOUT OBAMACARE, so please do not think you will win on that issue. Think outside the box and suggest solutions to our nation’s important issues. Do not just suggest lower taxes, talk about REFORMING our whole tax system. Shut down loopholes and simplify the tax code. It is 60,000 pages when it really should be 1 page. I would suggest a flat tax with a deduction on the first 50,000 a person/company makes. Talk about our horrible trade deals that have truly killed our Middle Class. Our nation has giving up our Constitutional Right to regulate trade with other nations to the WTO. Attack the influence of the over 35,000 lobbyists that influence Washington far more than the actual American people. Talk about ending subsidies for major industries. If you really want to show you are for the people, denounce Wall Street and the corruption it brings to Washington.
Oh well, I better get ready for all the 30 second attack ads from both sides for the next 7 months.