Pam Bondi's Fundraising Outshines Democratic Opponents'

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi can rejoice knowing that even though she may have Democratic opponents in her bid for re-election, they haven't raised nearly has much money as she has.

October campaign finance reports in the attorney general race were released Tuesday, showing that Bondi's campraised $76,578 in October, for a grand total of $481,479. On top of that, an electioneering communications organization named "And Justice for All" thats dedicated to Bondi's re-election raised $84,100 for a total of $894,082.

That means Bondi has more than $1.3 million to spend against two Democratic challengers, Florida House Minority Leader Perry Thurston and former DCF Secretary George Sheldon. Both entered the race at the end of October.

Thurston announced he'd be running at the end of October, but didn't officially file until Nov. 1, so he couldn't raise any money in October. George Sheldon announced he was running on Oct. 21 and raised just $5,931.

Sheldon is planning four fundraisers this month:Orlando on Nov. 19, Tampa on Nov. 20, Fort Lauderdale with Bob Butterworth on Nov. 21, and Tallahassee on Nov. 26.

Thurston said he will make announcements regarding his campaign soon.

Bondi's campaign is already flexing its fundraising muscles early on in the campaign, giving her a financial advantage over any of her opponents. Both Sheldon and Thurston have said they are not dropping out of the race to avoid a primary.

Ill prepare for Pam and if we have a primary, well deal with that, Sheldon said.

I remain hopeful that it wont come to (a primary), Thurston said. And remember, its not about the money, its about the message.