| Big fundraising numbers for Democratic Congressional candidates in Florida. Our efforts to turn Florida blue and expand on 2006 pickups are looking really good right now. FL-08 Charlie Stuart (D-ch): $224K raised; $415K CoH Mike Smith (D-ch): $73K raised; $269K CoH Alan Grayson (D-ch): $37K raised; $345K CoH Ric Keller (R-inc): $267K raised; $935K CoH FL-13 Christine Jennings (D-ch/should be inc): $379K raised; $579K CoH Vern Buchanan (R-inc): 510K raised; $1,573K CoH FL-16 Tim Mahoney (D-inc): $335K raised; $1,172K CoH Tom Rooney (R-ch): 90K raised; 451K CoH Hal Valeche (R-ch): 62K raised; $829K CoH Gayle Harrell (R-ch): 98K raised; 240K CoH FL-18 Annette Taddeo (D-ch): 154K raised; $457K CoH Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-inc): $281K raised; $1,893K CoH FL-21 Raul Martinez (D-ch): 601K raised; $1,079K CoH Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-inc): 314K raised; $1,755K CoH FL-24 Suzanne Kosmas (D-ch): $480K raised; 936K CoH Tom Feeney (R-inc): 421K raised; 795K CoH FL-25 Joe Garcia (D-ch): $493K raised; $701K CoH Mario Diaz-Balart (R-inc): $234K raised; $1,045K CoH Notes: The 8th district race probably will not become clear until we have a nominee. It's anyone's guess who will pull out a victory, as Grayson can self-fund his campaign and Smith and Stuart both have had respectable fundraising. Smith is likely going to need to pick up the pace though if he wants to have a chance as Stuart and Grayson have got the money and likely more name recognition, having run previously. Jennings has picked up the pace with her fundraising. Both candidates can self-fund and outside groups will all but likely play a role in the race. Emily's List has already endorsed Jennings. With gains continuing in Sarasota, this will be a key race this November and Jennings has the money to make it competitive. Annette Taddeo had a respectable showing and by self-funding, she can make her race competitive. Suzanne Kosmas once again outraised Feeney for the quarter and has more cash on hand than the ethically embattled incumbent. Leading prognasticators have taken note of this race, which has possibly emerged as the most likely seat for a Democratic takeover in Florida. Joe Garcia and Raul Martinez both look strong. Garcia actually doubled Diaz-Balart's fundraising for the quarter and a lot of it had to with our Netroots contributions. This is very impressive, in fact, the candidates almost have parity on total cash on hand, despite Joe only entering the race in February. Martinez has once again put up big numbers, also nearly doubling his Diaz-Balart opponent, indicating the 21st district will indeed be a battle of titans this fall. |
