On Monday, U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., announced his campaign had raised $620,000 during the third quarter of 2014 as he looks to hold off Democrat Gwen Graham in November.
This race is far from over and much work remains, but we wouldnt be where we are today without the support and prayers of countless North and Northwest Floridians, said Southerland. This district needs a fighter in Washington wholl stand up to both parties to grow jobs, empower hard-working families, and defend our values. Im proud to have led that fight over the last four years. While our teams momentum is growing stronger each day, weve got to work hard to ensure that Republicans, Democrats, and independents continue to hear the truth about our positive vision for North and Northwest Florida.
Graham countered on Monday, noting that her team had raised more than $820,000 in the third quarter of 2014.
Thanks to your overwhelming support we raised more than $820,000 over the last three months, which is a record for the 2nd Congressional District -- and an incredible $200,000 more than our opponent raised in the same time period! Graham announced to supporters on Monday. But this race won't be won with money; it will be won with the grassroots support of people like you.
Southerlands campaign released an internal poll on Monday showing the Republican with the lead. The poll of likely voters from National Research shows Southerland taking 45 percent and Graham garnering 39 percent. Despite the sample containing 50 percent Democrats, 34 percent Republicans and 16 percent of voters from outside the two major parties, the poll finds North Florida voters are not happy with President Barack Obama and his signature health-care law. A majority of those surveyed -- 53 percent -- disapprove of Obama while 42 percent approve of him. The health care law gets the support of only 39 percent of those surveyed while 52 percent oppose it.
The poll of 400 likely voters was taken from Oct. 1-2 and had a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percent.
In recent days, Southerlands campaign and its allies have pummeled Graham, trying to link her to Obamas health-care law. Graham has countered with a new ad noting she was not in Congress when the law was passed.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
