Berkley outraising Heller in Senate bid
WASHINGTON -- Her sights set on his job, Rep. Shelley Berkley outraised incumbent Sen. Dean Heller by almost double over the past three months, according to finance figures released by their campaigns Thursday.
Democrat Berkley gained $1.2 million from July 1 through the end of September in her bid to represent Nevada in the U.S. Senate, swelling her bank account to $3.2 million a year before the November 2012 election.
Heller, a Republican, reported raising $675,000 during the quarter, giving him $2.8 million in the bank.
For Berkley it was the second consecutive three-month period in which she raised well more than a million dollars. Heller failed to match the $1 million he raised during the spring quarter.
"It shows that Shelley is going to be a strong, strong competitor," said Mark Peplowski, who teaches political science at the College of Southern Nevada.
For Heller, the numbers should be disappointing, and it may slow momentum that was expected to come his way when he was appointed to the seat in May, Peplowski said.
"Heller's numbers were low for a sitting senator who is going to be in a tough battle. He has a long way to go," added David Damore, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Heller professed to be unconcerned.
"We will have all the money we need and then some," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Berkley's campaign enthused.
"The campaign's second robust fundraising quarter in a row demonstrates Berkley's ability to bring together a broad coalition of supporters that will ensure the campaign is in a strong position for the 2012 election," campaign manager Jessica Mackler said.
The campaigns released only big picture numbers on Thursday. Details about their donors, where their money is coming from and how it is being spent are included in full reports that are to be filed with the Senate and Federal Election Commission by Oct. 15.
Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault @stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.
