LITTLE ROCK -- Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mike Ross raised more than $296,000 last month, edging out his Republican rival while also spending more than twice as much as he brought in, campaign finance reports filed Tuesday showed.
Ross reported raising $296,196 in June, besting the $241,865 posted by GOP nominee Asa Hutchinson. Ross reported having more than $1.2 million in the bank, compared to more than $1 million Hutchinson reported having on hand.
The two ex-congressmen are running to succeed Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe, who is barred by term limits from running this fall. Republicans are hopeful they can win the state's top post after recent gains over the past two elections in Arkansas.
Ross' fundraising was outstripped by his campaign's spending, primarily on television ads that have been blanketing the state's airways. Ross spent $653,365 during the month, with more than $451,000 of that going toward television advertising. Hutchinson spent $162,278, with $12,731 going toward TV ads.
Dustin Smith, Ross' deputy campaign manager for finance, said in a statement the fundraising haul "shows that Mike's willingness to fight for working families by increasing access to pre-k, increasing the state's minimum wage, and implementing lower, fairer taxes is resonating with working folks all over the state."
Hutchinson's campaign said it believed the numbers showed he was well positioned for the fall matchup.
"We are very pleased that Arkansans support Asa's vision for a future of economic growth and job creation," Campaign Manager Jon Gilmore said in a statement. "Asa will continue to highlight his plan for more jobs and brighter future for Arkansas."
The report marks the first full month of fundraising after Ross and Hutchinson easily dispatched their rivals in their respective primaries in May. Ross defeated substitute teacher Lynette Bryant, while Hutchinson defeated Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman.
The Arkansas governor's race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country, with Republicans aiming to complete a takeover of the state's top offices after making gains over the past two elections. Republicans have majorities in both chambers of the Legislature and hold two of the state's seven constitutional offices.
State Desk on 07/16/2014