2 Frelinghuysen Challengers Raise Big Bucks (But Will It Be Enough?)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Montclair’s Mikie Sherrill and Verona’s Tamara Harris have amassed some serious funds in their battles to topple U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen from his seat in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

But will it be enough to unseat the veteran lawmaker and chair of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, who has a serious war chest of his own?

Former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor Mikie Sherrill, a Montclair resident, announced earlier this week that she’s raised $495,568 from more than 3,000 donors at the end of her first full fundraising quarter.

“We’re building a movement in New Jersey’s 11th,” Sherrill said. “To have this kind of support from the communities across the 11th is incredibly humbling.”

Sherrill added:

“From diner tours to house parties, I am working to make sure the voters of this district are heard. People tell me they want a representative who listens to them and not to Washington’s elite. They want someone who will fight for their economic security and health care while working hard to make sure we are building an economy of the future right here in New Jersey’s 11th District. For 22 years, Congressman Frelinghuysen has gone unchallenged and he continues to choose the leadership in Washington over his constituents. I have served my country proudly and I am ready to serve the people of this district.”

• See related article: Montclair Woman, Ex-Prosecutor To Challenge Frelinghuysen For Congress

TAMARRA HARRIS RAISES $445K

Meanwhile, Verona businesswoman and entrepreneur Tamara Harris announced Friday that her campaign will begin the fourth financial quarter with more than $445,000 cash on hand.

Harris’ campaign closed the Sept. 30 Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing with more than $156,000 in contributions from donors and an infusion of $300,000 from the Verona resident herself. Learn more about her platform here.

“Since announcing [my candidacy] on August 10, in the span of one and a half months, my campaign has secured the top consultants across the country, and a talented team of staff on the ground,” Harris said. “I’m approaching the 2018 election very differently, by co-investing my own resources along with those of my proud donors.”

Harris added:

“Now is not the time for apathy or neutrality. Along with my supporters, I am committed to proving that I am the best candidate to represent this district. I look forward to speaking with even more voters about how we can fix Washington, so people come before politics.”

FRELINGHUYSEN TOPS $1 MILLION

However, both Sherrill and Harris are likely facing uphill battles – at least financially – against Frelinghuysen, who has managed to fend off all challengers for his congressional seat for years.

According to FEC records, Frelinghuysen has raised $1.15 million in campaign funding from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30.

Frelinghuysen has dramatically outspent every opponent he’s faced since 2000, sometimes by as much as a 45 to 1 ratio, according to data at opensecrets.org.

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