Emerson maintains sizable fundraising lead over Sowers

Though challenger Tommy Sowers raised more than Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo. during the quarter, Mrs. Emerson maintains a large lead overall, as noted in her news release:

In the final fundraising quarter of the 2010 election, Jo Ann Emerson’s campaign raised nearly $400,000 her campaign announced tonight. For the third quarter report running July 15 to September 30, Emerson raised $394,094, bringing her total raised for this cycle to $1,857,135, nearly $424,000 more than Sowers reported.


“We’re extremely pleased with our support and we congratulate Tommy Sowers on a strong quarter, but we have to admit we’re a little puzzled as to why so many people in California and New York are so interested in our congressional seat here in southern Missouri,” said Emerson Campaign spokesperson Jordan Clothier.

As to be expected, Sowers financial report is headlined by many of the same pro-abortion, environmental extremists like Lou Adler, actor Bradley Whitford, and musician Curt Smith who also enthusiastically support California Senator Barbara Boxer, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and President Obama among others.

“There’s a reason these folks on the left and right coasts are supporting Tommy Sowers and I guarantee you it’s not because they’re hoping he’ll stand up to Obama and Pelosi,” said Clothier. “Voters in the Eighth District who care about creating jobs, killing cap-and-trade, and repealing Obamacare are lucky so many of Tommy’s donors can’t vote here in our district.”

One new name of note appeared on Sowers’ financial report, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), and one of Nancy Pelosi’s most trusted allies. On the final day of the reporting period, Van Hollen for Congress donated $2,000 to Sowers who declined to explicitly pledge not to support Pelosi for Speaker in the first congressional debate. The powerful DCCC, which Van Hollen controls, again left Sowers behind, instead choosing to focus its support on vulnerable incumbents rather than Sowers whose message of support for this liberal Congress continues to fall on deaf ears.

As Emerson’s report demonstrates continued enthusiasm and support for her message here in the Eighth District, she also continues to enjoy a cash on hand advantage of nearly $100,000 as she reported having $483,702 on hand while Sowers reports having only $386,372.