Himes raises record $800K in third quarter

Despite an economic climate where even the people who I normally call when I’m freaking out about the stock market are freaking out about the stock market, the Himes campaign raised over $800,000 towards his Congressional run in the 4th CD in the third quarter.

The final numbers have yet to be confirmed, but it’s already apparent that this is the most successful quarter ever posted by a challenger to incumbent Congressman Chris Shays, and indeed, is probably one of the most successful fundraising quarters of any congressional challenger in the country.

“These totals show how much Connecticut voters want change in Washington,” said Dana Houle, Jim Himes’ campaign manager. “The fact that voters set aside their own financial concerns to make sure Jim wins this race is just one more indicator of how much people of the Fourth District want change. Chris Shays sat idly by while Wall Street got out of control. In Congress, Jim will get our economy back on track by delivering a tax cut to the middle class, a stimulus for our economy, and putting in place smart regulations that will make Wall Street work for all of us.”

Meanwhile Shays is using his campaign funds sending me, a registered Democrat, a campaign leaflet portraying him with “The Hopefulness of Obama – the Straight Talk of McCain”. “Both Ways Shays” at his best. I can tell you now that schtick won’t stick.

Congressman Shays has also been getting heavy support from the National Association of Realtors PAC, according to The Hill.

Shays, who faces businessman Jim Himes, received $510,000 in assistance, including $260,000 in direct mail and $210,000 on TV ads. …Shays…got about $40,000 in surveys, as well.

It’ll be interesting to see Shays’ numbers when they come out. Money doesn’t win elections but Himes strong showing must have Shays feeling the heat.