Dean Dozen in Florida raises 3 times more than GOP opponent.

[madfloridian]

July 13,2004 Grass Roots Effort Pays Off For Dana Rasch Campaign

Rasch raises three times more than Republican incumbent in 2nd quarter report
DeLand, Fl – Democratic candidate Dana Rasch, a 28 year-old former Marine Corps officer, turned heads this week when his second quarter campaign finance report showed that had raised three times as his Republican opponent, incumbent Pat Patterson.

“As the old saying goes: hard work pays off. And this is a perfect example,” stated Rasch, whose campaign raised $14,842 in total contributions for the second quarter of 2004 compared to only $4,875 by the Republican incumbent. Rasch added, “What’s most impressive is that all of the money we raised in the second quarter was from real people who are dedicated to sending a responsive leader to the State Capitol in November…not the special interests.”

Over the past three months, Rasch’s campaign has gained a tremendous amount of attention by knocking on over 1,500 doors, qualifying for the November ballot by the petition method to avoid the costly filing fee, and earning endorsements from several prominent organizations to include Democracy for America and the United Auto Workers union. With the release of candidate financial reports this week, the Rasch campaign continues to build momentum and their tireless efforts have paid off…literally.

In addition to raising $14,842 in the quarter, Rasch saved several thousand dollars by qualifying by the petition method. The Rasch campaign convinced over 1,000 voters, primarily by knocking on their doors, to sign a petition to put Dana on the November ballot and avoid the filing fee. Rasch’s opponent attempted to qualify by the petition method but was unable to gather the required signatures and had no other choice but to pay the filing fee to stay in the race.

Rasch is a 28 year-old former Marine Corps officer. Rasch holds a Masters in criminal justice and a Bachelors degree in business administration. Rasch’s candidacy has quickly drawn the support of local leaders, including Grover Ashcraft, Janet Bollum, Frank Bruno, Wayne Hogan and most notably Representative Joyce Cusack (D-DeLand).

Voters can learn more about Rasch at www.danarasch2004.com.


GO Dana. We are proud of you. This guy is a fighter.

[Anwen]

1. Way to go!!!

Great news! :D

[madfloridian]

2. Especially in Florida in Volusia County. Amazing.

:hi:

[flpoljunkie]

5. Gore won in Volusia County in 2000. More Dems than Reps registered!

http://www.volusia.org/elections/reg_stat.htm

Voter registration totals


Registered voters
(as of February 29, 2004)

Democrats
115,881
(41.5%)

Republicans
103,019
(37.0%)

Minor parties
8,686
(3.1%)

No Party Affiliation
 51,325
(18.4 %)

Total registered voters
278,911

Volusia County also went for Clinton in 1992 and 1996, I do believe.

[madfloridian]

6. Our area has good counts on Democrats, but went Bush.

I was thinking of the voting problems there mostly. I think you are right about more Democrats around Florida, at least registered. Problem is so many tend to be Republican Democrats.

Dana impresses me with his spirit. He is a fighter.

[madfloridian]

3. Dana gets another mention in Orlando Sentinel.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-loccapview11071104jul11,1,900213.column?coll=orl-news-headlines

SNIP..."Like the Chicago Cubs of old, House Democrats can really only look up from where they are mired. Outnumbered 81-39 by Republicans, Democrats have been in free fall since 1991, the last year the party saw any kind of numerical increase in the chamber.

In 1991, records show Democrats gained one seat, bringing their House majority to 74 members. But it didn't take long for those numbers to start heading south -- fast.

Schale, though, sees this year as the start of a reversal, with the party picking up one or two seats, possibly in Central Florida. Israel Mercado of Orlando, one of two Democrats challenging Republican Rep. John Quinones of Kissimmee in a district filled with Democrats of Puerto Rican descent, recently held a lucrative fund-raiser in San Juan.

Dana Rasch, a 27-year-old former Marine officer challenging Rep. Pat Patterson, R-DeLand, is also being shined and buffed as another potential winner, according to Democrats.

"We're taking 'em one at a time," said Schale, a lifelong Cubs fan."

[mzmolly]

4. WOOHOO!!!

:toast: