Republicans considering or already in the 2015 governor's race are sitting on more sizable campaign war chests than the lone Democrat who's announced plans to run.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Republicans considering or already in the 2015 governor's race are sitting on more sizable campaign war chests than the lone Democrat who's announced plans to run.
Campaign finance reports, due to the state ethics board on Monday, have been trickling in early, offering the first glimpses of what financial advantages some contenders have as they start to build up campaign teams and drum up voter support.
Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who says he'll definitely be a candidate for governor, had $1.2 million in his campaign account at the close of 2013, according to his annual reporting form. He raised $723,936 over the last year.
Meanwhile, GOP Treasurer John Kennedy, who's still weighing whether to run for re-election or governor, had nearly $3 million in the bank after drawing in $825,571 during the annual term.
By comparison, Democratic state Rep. John Bel Edwards reported he had a $475,000 campaign balance through December for the governor's race. The chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Edwards brought in $552,103 in campaign contributions for 2013.
"As we connect with supporters across the state, our potential to raise more is growing. I am very encouraged," he said in a statement.
U.S. Sen. David Vitter doesn't have to file a report yet because he announced his candidacy after the fundraising deadline. But the Republican senator has collected money at a remarkable pace since unveiling his gubernatorial candidacy in January.
He said he's already amassed more than $1.4 million for his campaign within 20 days of the announcement.
"I have to say - with real humility and enormous thanks - that my very hopeful expectations were FAR surpassed," he wrote in an email to supporters this week.
In addition, a pro-Vitter super PAC has raised another $1.5 million to support the senator's run for governor.
With the election still more than 18 months away, the field of candidates can grow and there's still much time for donations to roll in.
But fundraising prowess is used to determine the strength of a candidate, and to try to dissuade other possible competitors from jumping in the race. Also, donations often beget donations, with more people and businesses willing to contribute if they believe a candidate is a strong contender for the office.
Edwards said he only was actively fundraising for six months out of the year. He suggested other candidates have more donations because they are seeking dollars from out-of-state donors and relying on their long-time connections, while he has had to build name recognition since he's never run statewide.
"When you are a career politician, raising the money is a little easier," he said. He added, "Our report shows we have a diverse and healthy donor base, not just big checks from wealthy folks."
Dardenne has run four campaigns for statewide office since 2006, winning the secretary of state's job in a special election followed by a regular election, then moving up to the lieutenant governor's position in a special election and following that with re-election.
He's highlighted his ability to raise large sums in that quick succession of elections, saying he's drawn in $6 million in campaign contributions over the eight years.
"The generosity of new donors and old friends has made each effort possible, and I am truly encouraged by their continued financial support," Dardenne said in a statement.