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Kathy Dahlkemper for Congress

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper raises commanding $1.6 million in 3rd District Race

July 15, 2010

   In a sign that that this race isn't close at all, Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper reaffirmed her heightened position as the clear and convincing front-runner in Pennsylvania's 3rd District Congressional race. The Congresswoman did so by raising an imposing $1.6 million in campaign funds and outworking her opponent.

     That impressive $1.6 million windfall that the Federal Election Commission confirmed Thursday demonstrates how successfully the Congresswoman and her campaign has connected with the 3rd District. This easily explains the $308,000 raised during the April 29 through June 30 filing period.

    Congresswoman Dahlkemper is now flush with over $1 million in cash-on-hand, backed with wide and diverse support throughout the 3rd District that's pushing the campaign forward with steady, driving momentum heading toward the fall general election.

       By contrast, Dahlkemper's Republican challenger, Butler car dealer Mike Kelly, reported raising $299,000, including incredibly only $49,500 by individual donors.

The stark difference in cash-on-hand further illustrates Congresswoman Dahlkemper's commanding position in the 3rd District race. With over $1 million in the bank, the Congresswoman boasts a nearly 10-to-1 financial advantage over Kelly, leading to obvious questions about the GOP challenger's viability in the campaign.

"What this tells me is we have hundreds of supporters out there giving us $10, $25, $30 and illustrating enthusiastic support for the Congresswoman's re-election. Numbers don't lie," Dahlkemper Campaign Manager Tina Mengine said.

"At the same time, the Kelly campaign is relying on its candidate's own money, probably the cash-for-clunkers cash Mike Kelly accepted for what little financial support they can muster."

That point is amplified with these revealing numbers. Kelly has over just $100,000 in cash-on-hand funds. That includes a $75,000 loan by Kelly to his campaign on June 30, the day the FEC filing period ended. So far, Kelly has loaned his campaign $415,000. That means of the $547,000 Kelly has raised, $415,000 is his own money.

Contact: Bryan Oberle (814) 520-8012 Cell (814) 490-3575

media@kathydahllemperforcongress.com