Ryan Ray
Democrat Edward James says he not only out-raised his opponent incumbent Rep. Ray Pilon last month – he also raised more than all other candidates for the House.
According to an analysis conducted by James’ finance chairman and campaign treasurer, James’ July campaign finance haul – $26,388, on top of $10,100 that came into a political committee, New Direction Florida, that supports James – is the highest of any House candidate in the land.
With lawmakers tied up this month redrawing Congressional maps in Tallahassee – and therefore prohibited from accepting campaign contributions – James’ advantage over Pilon in particular seems likely to continue, at least for now.
Pilon has raised a healthy $63,770 overall for his reelection bid, but fundraising has been sluggish since the end of Regular Session in May. The third-term Republican raised just $2,250 last month, leaving him with $47,464 cash on hand overall.
Between James’ campaign and affiliated PAC combined, his effort has some $52,367 on hand.
James said he was humbled by the support.
“The number of contributors means more to us than the grand total of contributions because it underscores the fact that many people in HD 72 are ready for a new direction,” James told Florida Politics.
“As a grassroots campaign, we are grateful for all of our support from the $5 checks to the $500 checks. The most exciting aspect of all of this is that we are just getting started.”
