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Posted on 07/20/2008 10:08:07 AM PDT by smoothsailing
Sunday JULY 20, 2008
Murtha outraised in most recent quarter
By MICHELLE GANASSI
Daily American Staff Writer
In April, William Russell's name didn't even appear on the ballot because of a challenge to signatures on his nominating petition.
Three months later, Russell has outraised Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, by $511,000 in the most recent fundraising quarter. The quarter ended on June 30.
While the veteran congressmen still has more than $1.6 million in the bank compared to $918,000 for the Army lieutenant colonel, the money is a much needed boost for the political newcomer's campaign.
“The average American is saying that's enough,” said Peg Luksik, Russell's campaign manager. “Right now they are voting with their pocketbooks. They want to volunteer and keep saying how can I help?”
Russell's campaign has $270,000 in cash on hand and about $242,000 in debt, while Murtha has more than $644,000 and about $3,700 in debt, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Luksik said even she is surprised with the response to Russell's campaign. The majority of his contributions were less than $50 and about 16,000 people made donations, Luksik said. Russell raised $670,000 while Murtha raised $119,000.
“About 73 percent of his donations are less than $50,” she said. “That's pretty amazing. This is truly a grassroots campaign.”
Russell's fundraising efforts are mostly direct mailers and donations through his Web site. Luksik said a lot of first-time contributors are giving to his campaign.
“A lady told me, ‘I've never in my whole life contributed to a campaign,'” Luksik said. “I don't think she is alone.”
She said she thinks voters have had enough of the “Washington mentality.”
Murtha's press secretary Matt Mazonkey declined comment.
Russell cannot campaign until after Aug. 1, when he completes his active military service. At that time he plans to begin campaigning heavily, Luksik said.
His campaign recently unveiled a new Web site, russellbrigade.com, for people to keep up with campaign activities. Russell decided to run against Murtha because of his negative comments about the Iraq War.
“The response has been so positive,” Luksik said. “I'm really pleased.”
In February, a state judge ruled Russell did not collect enough signatures to make the primary ballot. He later received more than 4,000 write-in votes in the April primary to get his name on the ballot for the general election.
Murtha has served in Congress since 1974. Two years ago, Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey tried to unseat the veteran politician with a high-profile conservative campaign. Murtha won with about 60 percent of the vote.
(Michelle Ganassi can be reached at michelleg@dailyamerican.com. Comment on this story online at dailyamerican.com.)
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Thanks for this post. I’ll be sending a contribution.
Good. People all over the country want to get rid of Murtha after what he’s done to the Marines.
Smoothsailling, you made my day! I'd love to see Traitor Murtha fired.
Now back to fixing my kitchen cabinet. : )
So, WHO the H&ll is giving Murtha money?????!
As will I. How I would love to see Murtha replaced by someone like Russell.
“The average American is saying that's enough,” said Peg Luksik, Russell's campaign manager.
I pray this is true.
To be added to the Murtha Watch ping list please notify myself or RedRover.
I want to see Murtha gone!
We can only pray this is the end of Murtha.
You were the first name on it already. :-)
I'm off to make a donation. :)
Welcome AIB, you’re on.
Welcome Allegra, you’re on.
I work on a DoD contract...I think it's prohibiting me.
That SUCKS! :(
Thanks! It’s really peaceful and quiet here lately. I hope it stays that way.
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