Former governor James S. Gilmore's end-of-the-year campaign finance reports will show he has raised $348,000 for his bid for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate, according to his advisers.

Gilmore has raised far less money than the likely Democratic nominee, former governor Mark R. Warner, but Gilmore advisers say they are pleased with their effort. They note Gilmore didn't enter the race until late November and had to suspend his fundraising efforts over the holidays.

"We are looking to raise enough money to put our organization and our campaign in place so for three weeks of work during the holiday season. The governor is proud of what he was able to accomplish in a short period of time, said Ana Gamonal, Gilmore's communications director.

Warner, who announced his candidacy in September, reported Thursday he raised $2.7 million in the last quarter of 2007. The money is on top of the $1.1 million Warner raised in September.

Warner now has $2.8 million in the bank. Gilmore has $165,000 in the bank.

Gamonal said Gilmore is not worried about Warner's money advantage. "Whatever Mark doesn't raise, he can lend himself," Gamonal said, referring to fact that some estimates put Warner's net worth at $200 million. "We know we are not going to beat him at the finance game. We are looking to beat him at the polls."

By Tim Craig  |  February 1, 2008; 10:46 AM ET
Categories:  Election 2008/U.S. Senate , James Gilmore III , Mark Warner , Tim Craig Share This:  E-Mail | Technorati | Del.icio.us | Digg | Stumble Previous: GOP Chair, Jeff Frederick Tussle over 2004 Dispute
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