Fundraising is often a good indicator of a candidate’s momentum and the strength of the candidate’s campaign. That’s why the fundraising numbers in the 3rd quarter of this year in the race for Governor paint a clear picture about the kinds of campaigns each candidate is running.
First, without any spin, here is the full picture of each candidate’s finance reports, along with the date they announced their candidacies:
Ralph Norman:
Raised: $1,308,346.01 (Includes $500k loan)
Spent: $186,625.75
Cash on Hand: $1,121,720.26
Announcement Date: July 27th
Nancy Mace:
Raised: $1,067,674.61
Spent: $351,329.89
Cash on Hand: $716,344.72
Announcement Date: August 4th
Pamela Evette:
Raised: $1,415,787.38 (Includes $300k loan + $132k transfer)
Spent: $869,058.19
Cash on Hand: $527,959.81
Announcement Date: July 14th
Alan Wilson (All cycle to date since he announced in Q2):
Raised: $1,299,049.37 (Includes $260k transfer from AG account)
Spent: $214,003.96
Cash on Hand: $1,085,036.31
Announcement Date: June 24th
These numbers tell us several things: Ralph Norman spent less than any other candidate. Ralph Norman has more cash on hand than any other candidate. Ralph Norman has invested more in his campaign than any other candidate. Ralph Norman outraised two candidates who hold statewide office…in less time.
Polls this far out are irrelevant and should be ignored
In January of 2018, polling showed Henry McMaster with 40% of the vote, with Lt. Governor Kevin Bryant at 11% and Catherine Templeton with 8%. Neither Bryant nor Templeton would even make the runoff with McMaster.
In March of 2010, only three months before primary day, polling showed, yes, Henry McMaster leading the field with 21% of the vote. Nikki Haley was in 4th place at 12% (about where Ralph Norman is now). Haley came in first in the primary with nearly 49% of the vote.
In the 2002 race, Congressman Mark Sanford started way behind before he defeated both Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler and Attorney General Charlie Condon… sound familiar?
South Carolina Gubernatorial races are notoriously late-breaking affairs. Campaigns playing the “poll game” this early are not signs of strength – but of weakness.
The grassroots are supporting Ralph Norman
Ralph Norman already has:
20 counties organized with 43 grassroots leaders in place. Grassroots leaders actively coordinating with 600+ volunteers and supporters statewide. The endorsements of conservative legislators and members of the SC Freedom Caucus. Active student coalition leaders at campuses across the state. The endorsement of former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, and former Governor Nikki Haley.
The Bottom Line:
Ralph Norman’s campaign for Governor won’t be putting out internal polls – which show Ralph has a clear path to victory.
Ralph Norman’s campaign for Governor will continue to treat donor dollars like he treats tax dollars – with respect.
Ralph Norman is in the best position to become the next Governor of South Carolina – and when he wins, he’s going to clean up Columbia once and for all!
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