Russell camp: $400K raised in July

UNIONTOWN -- Republican congressional candidate Bill Russell's campaign is reporting it raised $400,000 in July alone as it continues its unexpected fundraising success in the 12th Congressional District.

The campaign has now raised $1.3 million in total, in large part from small, individual contributions, according to Campaign Manager Peg Luksik. She said three-fourths of Russell's money comes from donations totalling less than $50.

The totals have stunned even Russell.

"The big thing has been watching the explosion of money coming into the campaign," he said.

He also reported the campaign has raised $100,000 through its new Web site, which launched about two weeks ago.

Luksik said the money has come from all over the country as Russell's race begins to receive more attention from the national media. The campaign this week also received a $2,000 contribution from former GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson, she said.

"This really has turned into a national race," she said.
Russell's opponent, U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown), raised just $113,115 in the second fiscal quarter, although he still had little more than twice as much cash on hand. Murtha, however, can likely turn on the fundraising spigot when he chooses.

Luksik said the influx of cash will allow Russell to do something unprecedented for a Republican candidate -- give some of it back. Nearly every one of the nine county Republican committees in the 12th Congressional District will receive a $2,500 check from his campaign.

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