Attorney General Abbott Says He Raised Almost $5M
AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is widely expected to run for Texas governor in 2014, says he raised a record $4.7-plus million in the last two weeks of June.
The Republican already had a war chest of $18 million. But Abbott Finance Director Sarah Whitley said on a podcast Wednesday that 2,100 people made donations during the two-week window before the end of the latest fundraising period June 30.
Officeholders were prohibited from raising money during most of the period because of the Legislative session.
Whitley said: "We broke all records in the history of Texas" for statewide officeholders after the session.
Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday he won't seek a fourth full term in office next year.
"I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead, but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership," said Perry on Monday. "Today, I am announcing I will not seek re-election as governor of Texas."
Abbott hasn't declared his candidacy, but has made no secret he'd like to be governor. Perry said for months that he and Abbott had an agreement not to run against each other for governor — a pact Abbott never confirmed.
If Abbott does run, his chances of being elected are strong -- if he can secure the GOP nomination. A Democrat hasn't won statewide office in Texas since 1994.
Though no Democrats have entered the gubernatorial field, Sen. Wendy Davis, who became a national sensation for staging a filibuster to temporarily block sweeping new limits on abortion, may run.
(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Also Check Out:
