LOS ANGELES — Elan Carr, the Republican nominee vying for the 33rd District congressional seat being vacated by Democratic icon Henry Waxman, raised $434,873 in the second fundraising quarter of 2014, according to FEC reports filed Tuesday. Carr finished the quarter with $245,822 cash-on-hand, while Democratic rival Ted Lieu trails with $204,438.
The 33rd District has been represented by Rep. Henry Waxman for two decades, and is a “Safe Democrat” district, according to Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call. However, there are some indications that this year’s contest is closer than many previously thought.
Carr was the top vote-getter in California’s June primary, even though Democratic opponents outspent him 4:1. Additionally, in the 2012 general election, Independent nominee Bill Bloomfield lost to Waxman by just 25,000 votes, or 46% to Waxman’s 54%. Political insiders expected that contest to be closer, as the 33rd district is one of the most Democratic in the country, and President Obama was seeking reelection at the same time.
In a press release, chief campaign strategist John Thomas said the timing was right for Carr’s message to resonate with the people of the 33rd District.
“Voters feel a great sense of frustration and distrust in their representatives in Washington,” Thomas said. “The perception is for too long they have prioritized focusing on special interest organizations at the expense of those they represent. It’s that kind of toxic environment where a different candidate with different life experience, like Elan, catches on and really resonates with the electorate.”
“It’s this kind of broad support that puts us in such a great position to win in November,” Carr said in a statement. “I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful that so many have invested in my campaign and believe in what we’re fighting for. Washington has completely lost touch with reality and we need representatives who will fight for true accountability while working to advance common-sense reforms.”
Carr recently received several high-profile endorsements from fellow state Republicans, including those of House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and California Republican gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari.
The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 4.
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