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Heidepriem Shatters Fundraising Record
January 25, 2010
Raises Nearly Three Times Previous Record for Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates
Sioux Falls – State Senator Scott Heidepriem’s gubernatorial campaign has shattered a fundraising mark for South Dakota Democratic candidates for off year fundraising by raising nearly three times the previous mark for a Democratic candidate.
According to reports to be filed this week with the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office, Heidepriem will show raising approximately $339,000 from 867 donors for the period ending December 31, 2009. That eclipses by nearly three times the previous fundraising record set by candidate Jim Abbott who raised $136,000 in calendar year 2001 for his 2002 gubernatorial race.
What makes Heidepriem’s fundraising totals even more impressive is that he raised the funds in a fairly short period of time. While the two leading Republican candidates filed to run for South Dakota governor in 2008, having all of 2009 to raise funds, Heidepriem did not file for governor until late in 2009 giving him approximately four months to match and eclipse the previous record.
Heidepriem’s report also indicates unique strength for a Democratic candidate from across the political spectrum in that he raised over one third of his total funds from Republican and Independent donors. Heidepriem’s across the board political support is further illustrated in that Republican businessman Mark Graham has signed on as Heidepriem’s Campaign Chairman.
Graham and his family are also major donors to Heidepriem’s campaign.
“We are very proud that so many South Dakotan’s have stepped up and sent a signal with their contributions that it is time to elect a leader who will deliver open, accountable and fiscally responsible government back to the people of South Dakota. We think it is particularly important that so many Republicans are looking beyond the borders of their own party for someone they believe will provide the leadership we need,” Steve Jarding, Campaign Manager to the Heidepriem campaign said.
“This is a very good start, but we know we cannot win unless thousands of South Dakotans who are disillusioned with the mismanagement of state government, step up and get involved and contribute to our efforts. Scott Heidepriem is a leader who transcends party and ideological labels. He is the absolute right leader for these uncertain times and clearly, as this report confirms, South Dakotans are hungry for open, accountable and honest leadership,” Jarding said.
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