DENVER – U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s campaign on Monday announced raising more than $2 million in the second quarter of the year.
The haul leaves more than $4.3 million in the bank, thanks to impressive first-quarter fundraising of more than $2 million.
Bennet, a Democrat, still does not have a formidable Republican opponent seeking a challenge to the seat. Several high-profile Republicans, including state Sen. Ellen Roberts of Durango, toyed with the idea of running, but backed away from the spotlight.
“Our grass-roots supporters are the best in the country, and Michael’s proud of the outpouring of support he’s received,” said Dan McNally, Bennet’s campaign manager. “Michael’s fight to reform Washington, take on special interests and level the playing field for middle-class families is resonating with voters all over our state, and thanks to our generous supporters, we’re confident we’ll have the resources we need to build a strong grass-roots campaign for 2016.”
He added that more than 80 percent of the quarter’s donations were of $100 or less, signaling support from a grass-roots base.
Other high-profile Republicans to decline seeking their party’s nomination to challenge Bennet include Attorney General Cynthia Coffman and her husband, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman of Aurora. Republicans have struggled to find a formidable opponent to take on Bennet, the former chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Those who have announced a bid for the Senate seat include El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn and Greg Lopez, the former director of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Colorado.
The GOP responded to the filing Monday by attacking Bennet’s record.
“Senator Michael Bennet has spent his time in Washington cozying up to party bosses and towing the line for President Barack Obama,” said Matt Connelly, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “He’s been a disaster for Colorado families, and no amount of money will save him on Election Day.”
The next financial filing report is due Oct. 15.
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
