Thompson backers say June haul leaves room for growth

Supporters of former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) are dismissing reports that call the would-be presidential candidate’s June fundraising numbers disappointing.

Thompson raised more than $3.4 million in June, according to documents his 527 committee filed Tuesday with the IRS.
Though the figure was widely reported Monday, the narrative following the amount seems to imply the would-be campaign is struggling.

{mosads}Not so, say campaign officials. Thompson managed to raise an impressive amount of money in one month with only two fundraisers, no direct mail and no telephone support, the exploratory committee said in a release.

“The level of support and enthusiasm from people across this country is inspiring,” Thompson said. “It tells me that people are ready for a leader who will change the national attitude from political bickering to a shared vision for our future. A leader who will bring us together, one who understands the challenges we face.”

Many had expected Thompson’s committee, bolstered by the strength of his “First Day Founders” and two June fundraisers, to report about $5 million.  

The Thompson campaign never confirmed those estimates, and the committee is disputing the notion that Thompson’s efforts came up short. Thompson spokeswoman Linda Rozett said the numbers are “good news for the committee.”

“The goal was to raise enough money to test the waters,” Rozett said. “We are pleased with everything we see and hear.”

The campaign raised the figure from more than 9,000 donors; 7,500 of them gave online and 6,888 contributed less than $200. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a Thompson supporter, told The Hill that the number of small donors is encouraging for a variety of reasons.

Blackburn said the number of small donors from across the country shows that Thompson has been able to “capture the national attention … without being an announced candidate.”

Blackburn added that because so many of the donations were for less than $2,300, the maximum amount an individual can contribute for the primaries, the Thompson campaign will be able to return to those wells numerous times between now and election time.

“That’s people saying, ‘If you’re in, we’re in with you,’” Blackburn said. “Those are donors who have a lot of room to go before they max out.”

Rozett added that the number of small donors is indicative of a “broad-based reaction to a potential Thompson candidacy.”

The campaign noted that only $625,746, or 18 percent of the total, had been spent. The campaign spent more than $106,852 on payroll. Friends of Fred Thompson Inc. filed as a 527 on June 4. Because he filed as a 527 group, Thompson has not had to file quarterly reports with the Federal Election Commission.

The former senator attended a number of fundraisers in July, including one Monday night in Washington.

Rozett would not comment on any money the campaign has raised since the June 30 deadline 527s face, saying only that the fundraising efforts will continue and will be in place should Thompson decide to take the next step.