McConnell camp claims 2Q fundraising record after Lunsford’s self-financing

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville): Getty Images Photo While official numbers have not yet been released by the re-election campaign of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville), a statement sent today to PolitickerKY.com says McConnell has set a fundraising record in the second quarter of 2008.

Responding to the news that opponent Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) injected $1 million of his personal funds into his campaign in late June, McConnell's campaign manager argued the self-financing would not benefit Lunsford's chances.

"No amount of personal resources can cover up Bruce Lunsford's out-of-touch positions," said McConnell's campaign manager, Justin Brasell.

"Senator McConnell's campaign set a fundraising record in the Second Quarter and will have enough resources to win this November," he added, in the statement.

McConnell has obtained fundraising help in and out of Kentucky this election cycle. Since reporting over $7.7 million in cash-on-hand shortly before a primary where he only faced nominal opposition, McConnell benefitted from a fundraiser in New Jersey held by that state's Republican Senate leader, Tom Kean, Jr.

With Lunsford capable of significant self-financing, the McConnell campaign likely can use every dollar it can corral. Lunsford lists a personal fortune valued at between $33 million and $110 million.

Still, the McConnell campaign maintains they can beat Lunsford on the issues.

"We'll have a pretty simple debate this fall," said Brasell. "Senator McConnell supports more domestic energy production. Bruce Lunsford doesn't. Mitch McConnell supports lower taxes. Bruce Lunsford doesn't. Mitch McConnell can deliver for Kentucky. Bruce Lunsford can't."