Governor versus Governor

Earlier this afternoon, former Governor Terry Branstad’s staff released his fundraising totals for 2009.  Then, late this afernoon, Governor Chet Culver’s campaign manager released his fundraising totals for 2009.   The short version: Branstad raised over $1.5 million after he got in the race in October.  Culver’s camp, meanwhile, reveals it had $2.59 million on hand when the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2010.

Compare, contrast, measure by reading the news releases copied below:

Governor Branstad 2010 Committee raises over $1.5 million during last quarter of 2009
Committee received contributions from more than 3,000 individuals and from all 99 Iowa counties.

(URBANDALE) – Five days prior to the official filing deadline, the Governor Branstad 2010 Committee today released a summary of its fund raising progress since its inception in mid-October of this year through December 31, 2009.

SUMMARY

Total funds raised during the period:  $1,546,198.93
Cash on hand at the end of the period:  $1,360,225.37
Number of individual contributors:  3,044
Number of counties from which contributions were received:  99
Total percentage raised from Iowans:  94%
Total percentage raised from individuals:  96%

“In just over two months, Governor Branstad 2010 has raised unprecedented resources as Terry Branstad has explored a potential run for governor in 2010,” said Committee Manager Jeff Boeyink. “By every conceivable measure, the fund raising success of this campaign shows Iowans are ready and willing to help Governor Branstad lead Iowa’s comeback.”

“I am humbled by the significant and broad-based support my committee has received during this critical time,” said Gov. Terry Branstad. “With more than 3,000 Iowans stepping up to make contributions both small and large, I am more convinced than ever that Iowans are ready for new leadership and I am ready to lead that charge.”

Governor Branstad 2010 will file its detailed 2009 year-end report with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.

Earlier this week, the Branstad 2010 Committee revealed its innovated new Web site, announced the details of its “Iowa Comeback Tour,” and released the list of its 300-person, 99-county campaign chairs as a sign of Gov. Branstad’s growing organizational strength.

Culver/Judge Campaign Announces Strong Fundraising Numbers

Today, the Culver/Judge Campaign announced that it will enter the 2010 election year with an historic $2.59 million on hand.  That total is over $1 million more than any incumbent governor has had at a similar point in their reelection cycle.

“We are excited and energized that so many Iowans have faith in our ability to govern and keep our state moving forward,” Governor Chet Culver said. “Iowans have shown that they share our goals and our values – investing in job creation to ensure a brighter economic future, providing funding for preschool education, keeping the promise to our veterans, and investing in green-collar jobs and renewable energy.”

On January 19, all state level candidates are required to file fundraising reports with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.  The report the Culver/Judge Campaign will file on Tuesday also shows a broad and deep base of support throughout Iowa.

Over the past 12 months, the campaign received contributions from well over 1,000 donors, 85% of which are Iowa residents.  Additionally, more than half the contributions made to the campaign were for $250 or less.

“Governor Culver and I are humbled by the support we’ve received over the past year and are ready to fight a winning campaign,” Lt. Governor Judge said.  “We want to thank our supporters for their continued commitment to keeping Iowa moving forward.”

To learn more about the campaign, please visit http://www.chetculver.com.