While Iowa reporters were falling all over themselves to chase Pat Rynard’s fundraising scoops, they missed one important element: Kim Reynolds set two statewide records for the year before an election — even outpacing the undisputed king of Iowa gubernatorial fundraising success, former Governor Terry Branstad.
Earlier this week, the Kim Reynolds for Iowa Committee announced that it raised over $3.7 million in 2017 and has over $4.14 million cash-on-hand.
The Reynolds’ Campaign also boasted a significant portion of its contributions from Iowans and of course all 99 counties in Iowa. Her campaign outraised the entire field of gubernatorial contenders. Former CEO Fred Hubbell, who has a wide network of wealthy Des Moines donors to tap into, raised $3 million; Cathy Glasson received roughly $1.8 million from the SEIU alone, Nate Boulton raised $1.1 million, and Ron Corbett came in well under $1 million.
While Reynolds set two statewide records, Corbett embarrassed himself by bringing in much less than what he said he had raised in July 2017.
2018 is shaping up to be an interesting election year. Although Governor Kim Reynolds hasn’t officially launched her campaign, she remains in a strong position. Her record fundraising numbers following a well-regarded Condition of the State Address give her all the momentum into the start of 2018.
Official fundraising reports are due to Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure by close of business on Friday.
