RIO RANCHO, N.M, (AP) - Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján has a nearly 6-to-1 fundraising advantage over his GOP opponent in a race for an open U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico.
Federal records show the Nambé Democrat raised nearly $1 million from mid-May to June 30. He has more than $3.3 million cash on hand going into the general election.
“Over the last three months, New Mexicans across the state - in each of the 33 counties - pitched in to support Ben Ray’s campaign to build a better tomorrow for New Mexico,” Luján campaign manager Travis Brimm said in a statement,
Luján’s campaign says it will not accept corporate PAC money.
Meanwhile, Republican Mark Ronchetti reported raising $532,500 during the same time period. The former television weatherman had $571,000 cash on hand.
“I’m proud of our campaign focusing on New Mexico and humbled by the support that has poured in from across our state,” Ronchetti said. “We are running an issue-focused campaign to solve the problems facing communities across New Mexico. It’s time New Mexico has a Senator who puts the people of New Mexico first.”
Ronchetti charged that Luján is receiving campaign donations from residents in California, New York and Oregon while he is focusing on New Mexico residents.
Both are seeking to replace Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, who is retiring.
The latest fundraising numbers come after Luján released his first television campaign ad in his bid for the U.S. Senate.
The “Voices” ad began airing Tuesday and attempts to highlight Luján’s role as an “11th generation New Mexican” and his desire to represent rural values.
“I hear the voices of my family and the generations who came before us. I’ve always said New Mexico is worth fighting for,” Luján says as people throw hay onto a truck. “That’s why I work every day to lower prescription drug costs, help veterans in rural communities get the benefits they’ve earned, and protect the water that’s the lifeblood of our communities.”
The U.S. congressman doesn’t mention his Ronchetti or President Donald Trump. Luján said his campaign will try to reach the state’s 33 counties through a virtual road trip.
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