NASHVILLE - Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam's campaign said today the Knoxville mayor has raised $12.5 million, including $3.15 million from nearly 10,000 donors, over the course of his nearly 22-month effort.
The campaign says his third quarter report, due Tuesday and which covers the period from July 27 to Sept. 30, will show he has $3.49 million in debt.
That stems from $4.25 million in personal assets Haslam has injected into his effort, including close to $2.8 million during the third quarter. The campaign paid him back $760,000.
As of Sept. 30, the campaign said, he had $1.75 million in cash on hand and he continues to raise funds in his Nov. 2 contest with Democrat Mike McWherter. Early voting begins Wednesday.
Haslam's campaign says 10,000 donors gave nearly 17,000 contributions during his GOP primary campaign with Republicans Zach Wamp and Ron Ramsey and primary and the first two months of the general election with McWherter.
"Early voting is here, and Crissy and I are grateful the support we've received during the last two years," Haslam said in a news release. "When we set out campaign nearly two years ago we put together a plan, and we've been able to execute that plan. Now we're focused on early voting and finishing strong through Nov. 2."
McWherter had not released third quarter results but said earlier today he has not put any additional personal assets into his effort since injecting $1 million on March 31.