July 01, 2009

CUPERTINO - Meg Whitman, Republican candidate for governor, announced today that her exploratory committee has raised more than $6.5 million since launching her campaign just five months ago. Whitman was the last Republican candidate to form an exploratory committee, yet she has quickly attracted contributions from every corner of California and far surpassed the other candidates' fundraising totals during the first reporting period ending June 30, 2009.

"There is no more certain measure of enthusiasm for a candidate than heavy early campaign contributions. This unprecedented outpouring of support for Meg confirms the demand for a new style of leadership that creates jobs, cuts wasteful spending, and effectively manages state government," said Campaign Chairman and former California Governor Pete Wilson. "Meg's appeal reaches far beyond just traditional Republicans. She is attracting new donors and new voters to expand our party at a critical time. They are putting their money where their hearts and minds are."

Of the more than $6.5 million total, 85 percent was raised from Californians. The campaign showed particular fundraising strength in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, and in the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. Whitman's strength in the Bay Area is particularly encouraging given that her Republican opponents are from there as well.

Since announcing the formation of her gubernatorial exploratory committee on February 9, Whitman has described her vision to thousands of Californians, amassed prominent endorsements, traveled the state to attend grassroots events, and is building the campaign infrastructure needed to win the primary and general elections. 

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