U.S. Senate Candidate Don Wiviott Raises $130,000 in 3Q

It's not official yet, but the Don Wiviott for U.S. Senate campaign is saying they raised more than $130,000 in the third quarter of this year -- not bad for a political newcomer. Wiviott didn't seriously begin raising funds until just after Labor Day so that makes the figure even more impressive.

Overall, the campaign has raised $535,000 since the end of the second quarter when Wiviott announced his entry into the race. Of that, $400,000 was provided by Wiviott himself, to kick start the campaign. The campaign reportedly ended the third quarter with more than $371,000 in the bank, having spent about $160,000 to set up a campaign office, hire campaign staff and pay for other startup expenses. Wiviott is in DC today meeting with Dem politicos along with his campaign manager, Caroline Buerkle, who ran former Attorney General Patricia Madrid's NM-01 Congressional campaign in 2006.

Wiviott for Senate has raised a total of $61,414 to date via Act Blue, the online Dem fundraising tool, including about $844 via the Beat Back New Mexico Act Blue page organized by this blog and .

Don Wiviott has stated he's willing to commit up to $2.1 million on the Dem primary race, including campaign contributions and his own money. He's very determined to run a strong race and is very passionate about the need for real change in Washington -- and some fresh ideas from outside the business as usual crowd. I agree.

Also announced as running for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Pete Domenici on the Dem side are Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, who entered the race last week, and Santa Feans Jim Hannan and Leland Lehrman. On the Repub side, there's current NM-01 Rep. Heather Wilson, who announced her candidacy the day after Domenici announced his retirement. NM-02 Rep. Steve Pearce has formed a committee to explore the possibility and State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons, who is said to be considering a run.

To see our previous posts on the U.S. Senate Race in New Mexico, visit our archive.