Buchanan: The campaign cash keeps coming in

Vern Buchanan

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan today reported that his campaign has raised more than $900,000 in contributions during the first half of 2009.

At the same time, his only announced opponent, former Bradenton City Council member James T. Golden, a Democrat, said he had raised $26,000.

"Vern's message of smaller government, less spending, lower taxes and free enterprise is resonating with the voters of the 13th District," campaign spokesman Joe Gruters said in a news release. "People recognize that Vern is a businessman, not a career politician, who has created jobs, met payrolls and balanced budgets. And in this time of economic uncertainty, Vern's background and experience is exactly what's needed to help turn our state and country around."

The campaign said contributions during the second quarter, April-June, were $341,130 and that the campaign will report cash on hand - contributions minus expenses - in excess of $700,000 when it files its campaign finance report today with the Federal Elections Commission.