During the last half of 2009, state Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle finished first among Democrats in fundraising for Tennessee’s upcoming gubernatorial election.
Sen. Kyle’s campaign collected a little more than $740,000 in contributions during the period between July 1 to Jan. 15, according to state campaign finance documents. He had about $588,000 on hand at the end of the period, which was his first since entering the race.
“Looking at the numbers I’ve seen, our campaign is on track to raise what we’ll need to run this successful campaign,” said campaign manager Katy Cutright. “We’re excited about it.”
Beer distributor and bank board Chairman Mike McWherter, son of former Gov. Ned McWherter, raised a little less than $403,000, bringing his fundraising total to about $1.05 million. He had about $620,000 on hand at the end of the fundraising period.
The McWherter campaign could not be reached for comment Monday night.