The Democratic Governors Associations, chaired by Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, announced Wednesday that it has already raised a “record-breaking” $5.3 million in 2009. It is reportedly the most the organization has ever raised in the first quarter of an off-year. In a press release, Schweitzer said:
“Governors are on the frontline of our economic recovery, and it’s important to elect people who believe that we need to invest in our schools, help hardworking families over the hump of tough times and focus on creating jobs. It’s gratifying that our supporters continue to see the value of investing in these races for the once-in-a-generation elections in 2009 and 2010.”
There are two critical gubernatorial races this year, according to Hotline:
Virginia and New Jersey. Both parties are coveting wins in the states as signs of their national strength. Republicans, in particular, are hoping to win back the corner offices in the Commonwealth and the Garden State as evidence that the ailing GOP is on the upswing.
CNN reports that and the Republican Governors Association will be releasing its first-quarter numbers in June and RGA’s response to the DGA’s record haul:
“With the DGA being owned and operated by the labor unions and Democrats controlling the House, Senate and Presidency, we’d be shocked if they weren’t breaking records,” said RGA spokesman Mike Schrimpf. “Big labor is flooding the DGA with cash in an effort to buy the governor’s race and expand union power.”