Keith Fitzgerald reports raising almost $223K in bid to unseat Vern Buchanan

Almost 900 donors have contributed more than $223,000 to Keith Fitzgerald's campaign to unseat Vern Buchanan from the U.S. House of Representatives, Fitzgerald said Friday on his Facebook page.

That leaves Fitzgerald, a former state representative from Sarasota, far behind Buchanan, R-Sarasota -- and his ability to raise money and established willingness to spend his own wealth on his campaigns. But his fundraising since he announced last fall shows that Fitzgerald's likely will be more than a token candidacy.

"Clearly, this community came together quickly and decisively sending a message loud and clear that enough is enough and it’s time to restore honesty and integrity to Congress starting here in the 13th District," said Fitzgerald, a Democrat and professor at New College of Florida.

Details of Fitzgerald's campaign finance report for the fourth quarter of 2011 had not yet been posted on the Federal Elections Commission's website. The report is not due until Jan.15.

Buchanan's most recent filing also was not available. As of Sept. 30, Buchanan had reported having more than $904,000 in cash in his campaign account.

(We have an inquiry into Buchanan's campaign about what he will report to the FEC.)