McMaster Crosses Million Dollar Mark
S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster raised $287,000 during the first quarter of 2009, making him the first prospective GOP candidate for governor to cross the $1 million mark – that we know of, at least.
Third district U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer will also announce their financial disclosure information at some point this week, although based on previous disclosures only Barrett would appear poised to eclipse the $1 million mark.
Both Barrett and McMaster had over $700,000 on hand the last time records were filed, with Bauer’s total standing at $450,000.
According to longtime McMaster advisor Trey Walker, the Attorney General now has $1.024 million on hand for a 2010 race.
Most political analysts estimate that between $6-10 million will be needed to finance a gubernatorial bid, although political donations are down this year and the current crop of candidates has failed to energize the GOP base.
UPDATE - As expected, here’s the fawning review of McMaster’s fundraising efforts from his de facto campaign website, which includes such insightful analysis as “there is nothing more important for success in the modern era of politics than having a loaded war chest.”
Comments
By The Senator on April 6th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
So given we now have an idea of where they might stand in the $ raising capabilities, what are your thoughts with regard to the Burn rate equation related to each of the top three front runners and their GC’s impact to that? In short who would you give the lead?
By Just a thought on April 6th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
i would give the lead to bauer… not cause he’s smart but quinn and tomkins are going to start spending that cash like crack whores or the guy who won the midday pick 3 today. shealy holds the money until he needs to spend it.
By Mr. Sandlapper on April 7th, 2009 at 4:11 am
According to campaign disclosures filed with the SC State Ethics Committee on January 10, 2009, Mr. Bauer had $435,757.03 on-hand. During this same reporting period Mr. McMaster had $778,426.43 on-hand. All of this is in line with what Mr. Folks and others have reported. However, the SC State Ethics Committee only shows Mr. Barrett reporting the required minimum under law, $500.00; while his FEC campaign disclosure reports $725,212.00 on-hand at the end of 2008. All that being said, can Mr. Barrett transfer his federal dollars for use in a statewide race?
By Mario on June 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Starboard. Oh my, it’s true.