Republican Bill Haslam’s personal contribution to his gubernatorial bid now tops $1.45 million, according to last campaign finance reports before next week’s primary.
The Knoxville mayor’s report filed late Thursday shows he had poured $1 million into his campaign from the beginning of the month through Monday. He previously injected $400,000 into his effort in June.
Haslam told The Associated Press in a campaign stop in Knoxville earlier in the week that the cash infusion was needed to fight off negative television ads and statements from his rivals.
“With constant attacks, you have to defend yourself,” he said.
While Haslam reported a cash balance of $1.9 million at the end of the period, all but about $200,000 was dedicated to the general election.