WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. John Boozman raised about $595,000 during the second quarter of the year for his re-election bid, his campaign announced Tuesday.
The Rogers Republican had nearly $2.1 million on hand as of June 30, money he can spend as he battles his Democratic challenger, former U.S. Attorney Conner Eldridge.
The first-term senator reported raising about $802,000 during the first quarter of 2016 and had nearly $1.8 million on hand as of March 31; Eldridge said he had collected nearly $315,000 during the same period and had about $372,000 at the end of the first quarter. A spokesman for the Eldridge campaign didn't respond to emails and voice mails requesting comments as of early Tuesday evening.
"We've worked really hard to get enough money that we need to get our message out, so we're very pleased with the numbers," Boozman said in an interview. "In a state like Arkansas, that should be plenty of money to get our message out as we get past the convention, get into the real election season this fall."
Boozman said that he's received donations from people in all 75 counties.
The Federal Election Commission paperwork isn't due until Friday.
With Republicans fighting to keep their majority in the U.S. Senate, Boozman's allies say it's important for him to hold onto the seat and they're volunteering to help.
"We will not hold the Senate majority if John Boozman doesn't win," U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said late last month. "I fully expect he will [win], but I'm also eager to do my part, however John wants, to make sure he does."
In addition to Eldridge, Boozman also faces a challenge from Libertarian Frank Gilbert. Gilbert has yet to file his quarterly campaign finance report.
NW News on 07/13/2016