Bakk raised $208k in 2009
DFLer Tom Bakk, who also serves as the Tax Chair of the Minnesota Senate, released his fundraising totals for 2009. The campaign reports raising $208,682 in 2009 and had $137,830 in the bank at the end of 2009. That's the most of any candidate who disclosed those figures before the February 1st deadline.
Bakk's spokesman said Bakk did not contribute to his campaign or loan his campaign any money.
Here's the release from Bakk's campaign:
With $137,830 cash on hand, Sen. Tom Bakk said he is in a solid financial position to win the DFL endorsement for governor in April. A legislator from Cook, who represents the Arrowhead Region of the state, Bakk is chair of the Senate Tax Committee.
"Between raising $153,245 in 2008, $208,682 in 2009, and meeting the fundraising goal for January 2010, I will have $400,000 to spend on the endorsement process," Bakk said. "Throughout my campaign I have focused on the economy and my determination to create jobs. I've had an honest conversation with Minnesotans about the serious financial challenges we face. I've stressed that by working together we can rebound the economy, create jobs, and make the tough choices necessary to build a stronger Minnesota.
"In these difficult times people are looking for a proven leader with the right experience to get the state back on track. Through their financial support, Minnesotans have indicated that I am that leader."
Bakk is very grateful to the 1,278 individuals who have donated to his gubernatorial campaign.
"I've been touched by the donations I've received," Bakk said. "From the out-of-work carpenter who contributed $5 to small business owners looking for a leader to strengthen Minnesota's economy to resort owners in my district impacted by the recession, every dollar donated has a story behind it. I cannot thank people enough for believing in me."
Leading up to the April DFL convention in Duluth, Bakk said he will continue to talk about why the election is about jobs and why he is the candidate who will win in November.
"On January 9 a record number of Minnesotans received an unemployment check," Bakk said. "As a carpenter who has been on unemployment, I understand the stress those 240,398 people and their families are experiencing. Minnesota needs a leader who will make job creation the top priority.
"Until Minnesotans are back to work, we cannot end the devastating budget cuts that have led to fewer opportunities for our children, higher property taxes for home and business owners, and denied care to our most vulnerable citizens. We must get the economy going so we can invest in the areas, such as education, that will provide individuals and the state long-term prosperity."
Bakk said too many Minnesotans are struggling and he will not rest until they are back to work.
"As governor, I will work tirelessly to create jobs and improve Minnesota's economy," he said. "I will get Minnesotans back to work with a significant investment in public works, which will jumpstart our construction economy and create long-term jobs; incentives to banks to loan again; and I will use my tax policy experience to create programs to aid small start-up businesses, help existing businesses with sales tax exemptions on capital equipment, and give communities assistance to attract and retain businesses.
"From personal and family security to having the resources necessary to maintain our state's cherished quality of life, everything flows from people having a job."
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