Jim Himes Campaign Sets Fundraising Record
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 17, 2008
January 17, 2008
JIM HIMES CAMPAIGN SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD
Campaign announces $944,000 total raised in 2007
Stamford, CT—Businessman and non-profit executive Jim Himes, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District, announced today that his campaign has raised a total of $944,000 in its first nine months of fundraising. In the fourth quarter, the Himes campaign raised over $325,000, which sets a record amount for any challenger to Chris Shays in the off-election year, further establishing Jim as one of the top Democratic challengers in the nation.
"I have spent months listening to voters in every town in our district, and the change they want is very clear," said Himes. "Connecticut families want a Congressman who will go to work every day on the issues that really matter to them: out-of-control energy prices, fixing the broken health care system, taking on the transportation mess, and bringing our troops home from Iraq."
"Chris Shays is consumed with defending Bush’s failed policies in Iraq and chasing down steroid use in Major League Baseball," said Himes. "As a Congressman, my attention will not waver from serving the real interests of the people of this district."
"Chris Shays has reason to be worried. Democrats in the Fourth District are heading into 2008 with a full head of steam," said Maura Keaney, campaign manager for the Himes for Congress campaign. "Our campaign has been overwhelmed by the number of people who have reached out to volunteer their time, contribute financially, and work with Jim to change the direction of our country. We are ready to win, and Jim is ready to draw on his experiences bringing the public and private sectors together to deliver meaningful change for our district."
Related details:
* Low-dollar grassroots donors are getting involved in the race: 1298 contributions were under $250.00
* The campaign’s very low 15% burn rate means its cash on hand position is very strong. (By comparison, Shays’ burn rate for January - September 2007 was 37%.)
* The campaign has raised more and has more cash on hand heading into an election year than any candidate who has challenged Chris Shays in the past.
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