In a remarkable display of fundraising ability and commitment from her supporters, Pat Edmonson has raised over $78,000 in her first three weeks of campaigning for Lt. Governor of Virginia. Pat Edmonson’s campaign reports $52,372.00 in large contributions (in excess of $1,000.00 each). Pat also announces approximately $25,700 in small contributions.

For those running the numbers, that’s over $26,000 a week. This is $6000 more per week on average than fellow candidate Jody Wagner, who reported raising about $400,000 in the last five months of 2008,  of which approximately 30% has already been spent.

Other candidates for Lt. Governor include incumbent Bill Bolling, raised $313,000 within the last six months of 2008; Jon Bowerbank, who raised $317,000 during that period; and Rich Savage, whom the Virginia Public Access Project reports raised just $15,000. [Washington Post]

Edmonson released the following statement today:

“From time to time the people reject establishment candidates for those who can actually make a difference in government. At this critical point in our Commonwealth’s history we must choose what is right over what is easy, what is necessary over what is convenient. We must choose leadership that can bring progress to our Commonwealth, leading us out of economic distress and to a period of prosperity. In times such as these we cannot settle for candidates who feel entitled, or for whom fundraising consists of writing themselves a large check. We need a Democratic candidate who can speak to the people about issues of importance, and who can grow a grassroots movement around Democratic ideals. I have raised over $78,000, much of it in small contributions, many from educators or health professionals who realize that the way out of our current crisis is not to make the same decisions which brought us to the brink of financial disaster. We need fresh ideas, new perspectives to truly move Virginia forward.

I will continue to reach out across our great Commonwealth to communicate my message of hope and progress to people in need. The people of Virginia will not accept a status quo candidate in 2009, the time is too critical and the issues too monumental. My campaign will speak to the concerns of all Virginians, and we will take their message to Richmond.”

The Edmonson campaign reports that is on target to meet and exceed internal fundraising expectations. This is certainly good news for a campaign that seemingly came out of nowhere, introducing a progressive candidate to the primary field.

It has, of course, only been three weeks since Edmonson announced her candidacy, and the pace at which she has raised funds could be attributed to her campaign being right out of the starting gate. However, any reasonable person should look at what she’s been able to raise during this time and consider her a serious candidate for the office of Lt. Governor.

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