Politics

Rick Scott Triples Fundraising Over Democrat Bill Nelson With Record-Breaking $10.7 Million Haul In Florida Senate Race

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Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scott broke a record against his Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, raising the largest amount of any of his opponents by raking in $10.7 million in the first quarter of the Senate race, according to a release by Scott’s campaign on Monday.

Nelson brought in a personal best of any quarter since joining the Senate in 2001 by raising $3.2 million in the first quarter. Still, Scott nearly tripled his opponent’s campaign earnings, although it is unclear how much of his personal wealth, $232 million, was contributed to his own campaign, according to Politico.

“We are sending a message to Washington that the time of career politicians is over — and our momentum is not slowing down,” said Scott in a press release with regard to his three-month haul.

Scott’s unprecedented fundraising includes contributions from all of Florida’s 67 counties and more than 11,000 contributors. Over 75 percent of all contributors gave less than $500 to the campaign and at least 80 percent of the contributors were Florida residents. The release highlighted the fact that only 3.2 percent of all contributions were from political action committees.

Polling data shows a tight race for the Senate seat, but an average poll by Real Clear Politics shows Scott leading the race 45-43.

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