Jacob Ogles
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis brought in more than $350,000 during the second quarter of 2018, boasting more than 90 percent of that money came from Florida sources.
“I am thrilled to receive such strong support from the people here at home,” said the New Port Richey Republican. “I believe it shows that they appreciate how hard I am working to fight for the issues they care most about.”
Bilirakis will likely face Democrat Chris Hunter in the general election for Florida’s 12th Congressional District. In recent days, Hunter has boasted about endorsements from leaders like Safety Harbor Commissioner Nancy Besore. Nevertheless, he has not yet announced second-quarter fundraising totals.
As of the end of the first quarter, Hunter lagged behind the incumbent in cash on hand. Bilirakis then boasted upward of $492,000; Hunter had about $195,000.
In announcing his fundraising success, Bilirakis touted his support for the recent federal tax cut package and stressed his support for Social Security and other issues important to seniors.
“Whether it is working to improve the care our Veterans receive, protect our national security, increase resources to keep our children safe at school, lower the tax burden on the middle class, preserve and enhance Medicare and Social Security for our seniors, or ease congestion on our roads,” Bilirakis said, “my team and I work tirelessly on the issues that make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives.
“I look forward to spending the coming months continuing to earn the confidence of those I serve.”
The incumbent also expressed confidence in support from voters: “I’ve always believed that, if I do a good job representing my constituents, coming home every chance I get to connect with them and work with them, the voters will continue to honor me with their support. It feels good to see that my efforts are appreciated.”
Bilirakis was first elected to Congress in 2006, succeeding his father Michael Bilirakis, who had represented the area since 1982.
3 comments
Robert Tager
July 15, 2018 at 10:08 am
Bikirakis, and his supporters, (including your paper) hope Hunter is the nominee because Hunter will be an easy victory for Bikirakis. Money does not win elections, positions and votes do.
Tager
July 15, 2018 at 10:22 am
If you want to write something relevant why don’t you write about Bikirakis support for dismantling Medicare and social security? Why don’t you write about a bill Bikirakis co-sponsored for the last several years. HR25. Read Title I, Section 102.
Beth Weinstein
July 15, 2018 at 12:50 pm
There are other democratic candidates besides Chris Hunter. In a recent poll of likely democratic primary voters, Stephen Perenich leads him by 5 points. Money is not going to win this race, connecting with voters will win the race. Less than 5% of Bilirakis’s donations come from individuals, the rest are from political PACs. Facts and context matter in journalism
https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/summary?cid=N00027462
Comments are closed.