Tolbert: RGA Raises $50 Million; Plans To Target Arkansas Governor’s Race
by January 27, 2014 6:50 pm 89 views
Some good news today for Republicans hoping to take the Arkansas governor’s mansion back in 2014. The Republican Governor’s Association announced it has raised $50 million that it plans to use on key races in 2014, including in Arkansas.
The RGA raised $50.3 million in 2013, significantly eclipsing the amount raised at the same time four years ago. The RGA also announced that its cash-on-hand is double that of four years ago; the committee has more than $50 million in the bank heading into 2014. In 2009 going into the last gubernatorial election cycle in Arkansas, the RGA had raised $30 million with $25 million cash-on-hand, so today’s news shows the RGA is in a much stronger position to assist in races across the country.
“Republican governors are acting boldly, making tough decisions and providing strong leadership for their states in a way that Washington simply is not,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “Republican governors’ record of accomplishment is unparalleled, and with twice the cash-on-hand compared to four years ago, the RGA is in strong position to support our candidates and governors this year. Thanks to the generosity of so many supporters, the leadership in 2013 of Governors Jindal and Walker, and the efforts of every Republican governor, we enter 2014 with the resources we need to win,” Christie added.
“The RGA sees the Arkansas governor’s race as a top-pick up opportunity in 2014,” said RGA Spokesman Jon Thompson. “We will ensure voters know who the real Mike Ross is and why he is not fit to lead.”
The news is yet another strike at one of the Ross campaign’s key points. Ross has repeatedly pointed to its fundraising advantage. In 2013, the Ross campaign raised $3.6 million while spending $1.1 million for a total of $2.5 million cash-on-hand. Asa Hutchinson – the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination – raised $1.6 million in 2013 spending only $300,000 for a total of $1.3 million cash-on-hand. The help from the RGA could help close this gap.