Russ Warner Exceeds 2nd Quarter Fundraising Goals
Lays the groundwork for a serious challenge to David Dreier
Rancho Cucamonga, CA -- With the general election more than 16 months away, Democrat Russ Warner, a candidate for U.S. Congress in California's 26th District has established himself as a serious challenger to 13 term incumbent Congressman David Dreier. Notably, Warner raised more than $100,000 from individuals in the 2nd quarter which ended on June 30th and closed the quarter with more than $150,000 Cash on Hand.
Warner has more money on hand at this early stage of the campaign than all but one Democratic nominee has ever raised and spent against David Dreier in the entire general election since he was first elected to Congress in 1980.
"There is a groundswell for change coming from voters in the district. People want their elected officials to be accountable to them not to the special interests" said Warner, a small businessman and 27 year resident of Rancho Cucamonga.
In David Dreier's nearly three decades in Washington, he has taken millions of dollars from special interests including more than $400,000 from health insurers, pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare industry donors. At the same time, Dreier has voted against bipartisan patient protection legislation, against allowing re-importation of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and even against a common sense measure to allow the government to negotiate lower prescription drug costs when buying in bulk. In addition, Dreier has accepted thousands of dollars from big energy companies, including Enron while voting for billions of dollars in tax breaks for the industry even while Californians pay some of the highest gas prices in the country.
Warner received contributions from more than 250 individuals in the second quarter and more than 95% of his donors are from California. In addition, 191 of Warner's donors made their contribution on-line.
Warner added, "I am committed to raising the resources I need to educate voters about my plan for change and to show them the real David Dreier who is an unapologetic advocate for continuing the war in Iraq and votes with President Bush more than 90 percent of the time."
Warner is a dedicated husband and father and a successful small businessman who will work hard for America's families. His son Greg's service in Iraq made the issue of the Iraq War extremely personal for the Warner family. Russ and his wife Kris have lived with their three sons in the 26th Congressional District for over 27 years, which includes parts of two counties and over 30 cities, covering more than 50 miles from La Crescenta to Rancho Cucamonga.
"Clearly my message for change and to end the war in Iraq is already resonating with voters here in the Foothill Communities," said Warner.
