Raye Outpaces Michaud in Fundraising for Period!

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 15, 2012

RAYE OUTPACES MICHAUD IN FUNDRAISING FOR PERIOD
Amid Michaud’s declining poll numbers, Raye out-raises incumbent $165,000 to $108,900

EASTPORT, MAINE – Maine Senate President Kevin Raye has outraised incumbent Congressman Michael Michaud during the most recent fundraising period in the 2nd Congressional District race.

In July 15th filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for the period between May 24th and June 30th, Raye reported raising $165,017 – easily outpacing the $108,980 reported by Michaud for the same timeframe.

News of Raye’s fundraising success provides fresh evidence that his campaign is building momentum, and comes just days after two major developments in the race. On Wednesday, several Maine newspapers published an independent poll by Critical Insights showing Congressman Michaud’s support among 2nd District voters has dropped below the critical 50% mark for the first time. The poll shows Michaud with 47%, Raye with 35%, and 18% of voters undecided. Among voters who say they have definitely made up their minds, Michaud leads Raye just 27% to 25%, a troubling sign for a five-term incumbent.

On Thursday, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) designated Raye as a ‘Young Gun’ – the NRCC’s program for identifying top-tier candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. Raye earned the designation after meeting crucial fundraising and organization benchmarks to establish himself as a strong candidate with a clear path to victory.

“I am very encouraged by the outpouring of support from Maine people since our campaign began in January,” said Raye. “It is clear that 2nd District voters are looking for a Congressman who will stand up for fiscal responsibility, uphold Maine’s tradition of working to bring the two parties together, and be a stronger voice for Maine.”

By raising $165,000 in just five weeks, Raye nearly doubled his previous cash-on-hand to $242,341. Since entering the race in January, Raye has far exceeded Michaud in contributions from individuals, raising $320,720 to just $170,956 for the incumbent Congressman. Michaud’s sole fundraising advantage is among Washington-based PACs. Whereas, Raye has raised 91% of his funds from individuals, and 7% from PACs, Michaud has raised just 35% from individuals and a whopping 64% from PACs. Michaud’s heavy reliance on PACs is unusual in Maine.

Overall, Raye has kept pace with Michaud since entering the race, raising $353,470.88 in the first six months of his campaign. During the same time, with the support of Washington PACs, Michaud has raised $400,456.39. The remainder of Michaud’s overall fundraising advantage results from funds raised during the 13 months prior to Raye’s candidacy.

Raye has four times more cash-on-hand than Michaud’s last challenger Jason Levesque had at this point in the 2010 campaign, while Michaud has $34,000 less cash-on-hand than two years ago.

“Kevin’s strong fundraising performance is in keeping with what we’re seeing on the campaign trail. People are responding well to his positive message,” said Raye campaign manager Rob Caverly.

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