.jpg)
By Dustin Hurst ǀ Watchdog.org
HELENA —Republican U.S. Senate challenger Denny Rehberg is still trailing his Democratic foe in campaign cash this election cycle and is trying to spin the news to show growing support for his campaign.
Republican U.S. Senate challenger Denny Rehberg is still trailing his Democratic foe in campaign cash this election cycle and is desperately trying to spin the news to show growing support for his campaign.
Rehberg’s team released its quarterly fundraising figures Friday, touting a $1.1 million haul. Still, that trails Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who reported a $1.9 million take Thursday.
“Our strong fundraising will allow us to keep getting our message out to folks here in Montana, and to cut through the dishonest attacks being aired by Senator Tester and his special-interest allies,” Rehberg campaign manager Erik Iverson said in an email message.
From the spin department, the Republican’s campaign notes that they are gaining on Tester’s cash-on-hand edge. Iverson’s email noted that Tester’s available money edge dropped from $1.6 million last quarter to $900,000.
Rehberg’s people also point out that Rasmussen Reports polls gives the GOP congressman an edge in the race despite Tester’s money advantage.
Of course, outside spending groups will assist Rehberg and Tester in months and weeks leading to November.
Americans for Prosperity and Crossroads GPS, both conservative Republican-backing organizations, are helping Rehberg. AFP held a “Tester Truth Tour” through Montana last month and is actively working at the Republican base against the first-term Democrat.
Crossroads GPS is spending its funds on issues ads, typically linking Tester to President Barack Obama, an unpopular figure among many Treasure State voters.
The union-backed Patriot Majority and Citizens for Strength and Security Fund assist Tester, often accusing Rehberg of being out-of-touch with Montanans.
Conservation groups Montana Hunter and Anglers Action and the League of Conservation Voters pitch in money and publicity knocking Rehberg.
Pingback: Tester racks up big campaign dollars – Politico | politicsandpolls-com