Warner raises $2.7M for quarter

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) raised $2.7 million in the first quarter since former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie (R) jumped into the race against him.

{mosads}The strong haul brings Warner’s cash on hand to $8.8 million ahead of what will likely be an expensive re-election battle in the commonwealth. 

“This quarter’s report shows that Virginians want a Senator who will work across the aisle to find commonsense solutions,” said Warner Campaign Manager Trey Nix. “We are building a robust campaign operation to communicate Senator Warner’s long record of creating jobs, building a fairer economy and working to keep college affordable.”

Gillespie has yet to release his fundraising totals, though the well-connected Washington power player is expected to do well.

Most public polls have found Warner with a double-digit lead in the race but hovering around 50 percent, the point at which an incumbent could be vulnerable.