Neal Dunn also says he’s posting $500K+ in fundraising

Republican Panama City surgeon Neal Dunn, challenging incumbent Democrat Gwen Graham for her 2nd Congressional District seat, on Monday said his campaign “will file with over $500,000 in his first seven weeks as a candidate – a new record” in that district.

Dunn’s campaign said it had raised “more than $450,000 in contributions and (Dunn) personally added $50,000 to his campaign during the third quarter of 2016,” according to a press release.

At the same time, Graham’s campaign said it too had garnered more than a half-million dollars from contributors, calling her $1.2 million cash-on-hand number “an impressive war chest for a race more than a year away.”

It’s all a matter of perspective to the Dunn campaign.

Its announcement noted that his fundraising numbers surpass Graham’s when compared to the $377,000 she raised “during the first quarter of her campaign two years ago.” Graham was first elected in 2014.

“I am humbled by all of the support and encouragement I have received since announcing my candidacy just seven weeks ago,” Dunn said in a statement. “But most importantly, I am grateful to each and every supporter who put their faith in me through their contributions.”

Dunn has racked up endorsements from immediate past state House Speaker Will Weatherford, former Speaker Allan Bense (Weatherford’s father-in-law) and state Sen. Don Gaetz.

“I believe this outpouring of support is proof that the residents of our community are looking for strong Republican leadership to represent our area in Congress,” Dunn said.

“I look forward to continuing to build relationships and momentum as I advocate for a conservative agenda on issues that matter the most to our community, including helping to strengthen our economy, grow our work force, support our military and repeal Obamacare.”

The campaign of Dunn’s opponent, Mary Thomas, isn’t surprised by his fundraising numbers, attributing it to years as a “political insider.”

“Of course Neal Dunn’s going to raise a lot of money – he’s been slinking around with political insiders for decades, and now this is their chance to return the favor,” said Lauren Henderson, Thomas’ political director. “The only outstanding question is whether or not Charlie Crist and Bill Nelson will contribute to him, just like he contributed to them in the past.”

Click here for more information on Dunn’s campaign.