NASHVILLE — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam easily outdistanced GOP rivals Ron Ramsey and Bill Gibbons in fundraising during the last half of 2009, according to figures released by their respective campaigns.
Ramsey and Gibbons campaign officials, however, said their messages are resonating more with GOP primary voters.
Figures disclosed by Knoxville Mayor Haslam indicate the candidate hauled in $1.86 million between July 1 and Jan. 15, bringing his overall fundraising total to $5,737,583.46.
That compares with $1.42 million raised during the July 1-Jan. 15 period by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, the Senate speaker. That brings his total to $2,756,642, according to the campaign.
Shelby County District Attorney Gibbons’ campaign, meanwhile, said it raised about $640,000, which would bring his overall total to about $1.05 million.