Candidate Scott Honour has jumped to the head of the pack of GOP gubernatorial candidates in fundraising for 2013.
In an email to supporters, Honour, a businessman, announced his campaign has raised more than $500,000 from individual donors as of the end of December.
“As a political outsider and first time candidate, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to raise money and build a strong volunteer base in a crowded race against a group of long-time Republican office holders,” he wrote.
That crowded field includes Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, who reported his campaign raised $250,000 last year, and state Sen. Dave Thompson, who said he raised $120,000.
Former legislator Marty Seifert, who did not enter the race until just before Thanksgiving, has said his fundraising total will be lower than some of his competitors.
Hibbing high school teacher Rob Farnsworth said he has raised less than $10,000.
Still to report or provide an estimate of fundraising is state Rep. Kurt Zellers, and former House speaker, who is noted for his fundraising skills on behalf of the Republican House caucus.
All reports must be submitted to the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board by Jan. 31. The reports will disclose donors, any loans or gifts from the candidates themselves, and a campaign’s cash on hand.