Democrat Bob Kerrey raised more cash than his Republican opponent in the Nebraska Senate race despite trailing in the polls by double digits, according to fundraising figures released by both campaigns on Monday.
Mr. Kerrey, who formerly served in the Senate in addition to a term as Nebraska’s governor, raised $1.58 million in the April 26-June 30 reporting period. His Republican foe, state Sen. Deb Fischer, raised $1.29 million. But the Fischer campaign is pointing out that the tea party favorite wasn’t officially her party’s nominee until May 15, meaning she raised more than $1 million in just six weeks.
Both camps are touting the totals as evidence they’re gaining a foothold in the closely watched race, which will decide who replaces retiring moderate Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson.
“The differences between Kerrey and Fischer will get even clearer over the next few months,” Kerrey campaign manager Paul Jonhson said in a statement. “We feel very good about our position.”
With her recent haul, Ms. Fischer has more than $1.1 million in the bank.
“Our strong fund-raising quarter shows that Nebraskans are tired of the overspending, overtaxing and overregulating and want a U.S. senator who will work to rein in government and create growth and opportunity for Nebraska families and businesses,” she said in a statement.
