09.25.2003

Deutsch raises nearly $3.3 million for primary

By LESLIE CLARK, The Miami Herald
lclark@herald.com

U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch has socked away nearly $3.3 million for the primary race for the U.S. Senate, saying the cash gives him front-runner status in what has turned into a contentious run for the Democratic nomination.

Though the Sept. 30 end of the fundraising quarter is nearly a week away, Deutsch’s campaign released its fundraising total Wednesday. The announcement comes a month after Deutsch went on the offensive against rival Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas -- an attack that met with mixed reviews as to whether it worked for the Pembroke Pines Democrat.

Deutsch said Wednesday, however, that his cash on hand shows he’s "on target."

"I’ve given over 40 speeches at this point and what I’m saying is really connecting to people,’’ Deutsch said. "The numbers speak for themselves. It would be extraordinarily difficult for me not to win the primary."

According to his finance manager, Deutsch raised $400,000 since July 1, a traditionally slow time for raising money because of summer vacations.

No other candidates for the seat now held by Sen. Bob Graham, who is running for president, made their figures available Wednesday, and a Penelas spokeswoman declined to comment on Deutsch’s money.

"We think we’re doing well this quarter and we’re concentrating on that," said Penelas spokeswoman Danae Jones.

Through June 30, Penelas had raised $1.1 million.

A spokesman for former Education Commissioner Betty Castor -- the only candidate who does not hold an elected office -- said the report would nevertheless reflect a successful fundraising period. Castor picked up an endorsement from the national fundraising organization Emily’s List, but any resulting contributions would not yet be reflected on campaign reports.

"We’ll do fine, we’re going to have a good quarter," said campaign manager Jeff Garcia.

Castor had raised $301,964 as of June 30, the end of the previous quarter.

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello, running as a North Florida Democrat who can attract independents, suggested Deutsch will need more than the money he has amassed from years in Congress.

"The issue for Florida Democrats is who has the kind of profile to reach out to independents and swing voters who are going to decide this election," said spokesman Bob Doyle.

As of June 30, Boyd had raised $208,422 for his congressional reelection campaign, which can be transferred to a Senate race.

On the Republican side, absent a front-runner since U.S. Rep. Mark Foley dropped out, former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum announced this week that he had raised $1 million in the campaign.

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