Bernie Sanders Taps His Donor Network to Raise Nearly $2 Million in Two Days for House, Senate Contenders
Bernie Sanders can still apparently pack a punch when it comes to fundraising.
The senator from Vermont raised just shy of $2 million in two days online this week for 13 like-minded U.S. Senate and House candidates, according to his campaign committee.
As a Democratic presidential candidate, Sanders was able to raise eye-popping sums over the Internet from small-dollar donors, remaining on a competitive footing with the party’s eventual nominee, Hillary Clinton.
This week, Sanders tapped his massive donor list, sending out emails asking his fans to support candidates blessed by Our Revolution, an organization he launched after exiting the race.
The two-day take was $1.88 million, with more dollars continuing to come in. The biggest beneficiary, an aide said, was Deborah Ross, who has mounted an unexpectedly strong challenge to Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). About $300,000 flowed directly to her campaign.
One of multiple solicitations sent out by Sanders referred to a recent warning by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) that Sanders could take over as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee if Democrats take over control of the Senate.
“That sounds like a very good idea to me,” Sanders said. “It means that we can establish priorities for working people, and not just the billionaire class. What would be equally exciting is if the Democrats took back the House, and Congressman Ryan was no longer speaker.”