NASHVILLE — Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Haslam’s campaign said on Tuesday the candidate has raised more than $8 million since he began his campaign last year.
It would appear Mr. Haslam, the mayor of Knoxville, has raised about $1.1 million so far in in the second quarter, which doesn’t end until June 30.
Mr. Haslam hit the mark after a Monday night fundraiser at the home of Stephanie and John Ingram, the campaign said, adding that he has received nearly 11,000 contributions from more than 7,500 contributors in all 95 Tennessee counties.
The Haslam campaign pointed to the fundraising totals, along with a recently released internal campaign poll showing Mr. Haslam ahead in the three-man contest, as demonstrating the mayor’s “clear momentum” one month before early voting starts.
“We’re organized in every county. We have support in every county, and we’re continuing to grow that support across the state,” said Haslam campaign manager Mark Cate in a news release. “The state faces many challenges ahead, and Tennesseans are eager to hear Mayor Haslam’s common-sense solutions for job creation, budget management and strengthening education.”
Mr. Haslam faces U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, in the Aug. 5 GOP primary.
A recent poll paid for by the Haslam campaign showed Mr. Haslam leading Rep. Wamp by 13 points with 37 percent of likely GOP primary voters.