Jeff Atwater Out for FAU Prez, but Still Has $1.1 Million in Campaign Cash

Jeff Atwater may be out of the running for president of Florida Atlantic University, but there's a silver lining in the presidential search committee's decision not to advance him to the next round: he's still got more than $1.1 million in his campaign account.

On Friday, Atwaters campaign posted its December fundraising totals. According to the numbers, Atwater raised $355,120 during the month of December and has collected $1,169,876 overall.

Atwater hasn't spend a whole lot on the campaign just yet. So far, the CFO has spent $58,931, which leaves more than $1.1 million in his campaign account.

After not becoming one of the top three finalists for the position at FAU, Atwater took to his Facebook page to say he'd instead be focusing his efforts as CFO of the Sunshine State.

"I very much appreciate the invitation to submit my name as a candidate for FAUs presidential search," said Atwater. "I was honored to have the university encourage my participation, and to have the opportunity to share my vision for the future of such a world-class institution. I wish the final candidates well, and I look forward to continuing to support the university in any way that I can. As I said to my staff about accepting an invitation to apply, my passion for serving as Floridas CFO and my commitment to working with my great colleagues for years to come remains undiminished."

Atwater has served in the position since 2011. His opponent, Democrat William Rankin, raised far less cash in December,bringing in only $5,025.