Tolbert: Asa Raises Over $445,000, Has $1.3 Million Cash On Hand

Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson continues to pick up steam in fundraising after a slow start.

His campaign reports today that he raised over $445,000 in the last quarter of 2013 for a total haul of around $1.6 million in 2013.  Even more importantly – since the election is still 10 months away – he has $1.3 million cash on hand to spend.

“We are so pleased to announce the results of our best fundraising quarter ever. It shows we are gaining momentum and that Arkansans are excited about our vision for Arkansas’s future; a future of job creation, lower taxes and great educational opportunities. I’m grateful for the support that so many have given to me and my campaign for Governor. Together, we will work for Arkansas’s brightest future,” said Hutchinson.

This is certainly nothing to sneeze at and hopefully will reassure some supporters discouraged by the cash advantage Democratic candidate Mike Ross enjoys.  At the last report, Ross showed having around $2.4 million in cash on hand.  It will be interesting to see if his fundraising has slowed down any from its previously rapid pace.

I will also note that the release comes from the new Policy and Communications Director Christian Olson, who just joined the staff at the beginning of the year.  You might remember Olson from working with state legislators such as Rep. Allen Kerr.  The new face could be a sign that Asa is starting to hire some staff for his lean campaign team he had in the early period.