David Perdue outraises Democratic opponent in U.S. Senate race

The Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia, David Perdue, raised $4.82 million in the third quarter, including $500,000 of his own money added in the final weeks of the GOP primary runoff that ended on July 22.

Perdue’s Democratic opponent Michelle Nunn raised $4.15 million, which makes her one of the most effective fundraisers among Democrats in the 2014 elections cycle. The third quarter included all of July, August, and September.

In the second quarter, when the crowded Republican primary was heating up, Perdue trailed Nunn in fundraising by around $1 million. He contributed $3.6 million of his own money in loans and donations throughout the primary season.

Once Perdue secured the nomination, the establishment money from the state and across the country helped put him on the same level as Nunn.

Statement from the Perdue campaign on his fundraising numbers:

”This surge of support shows that Georgians are united behind David Perdue and excited to elect him to the United States Senate. They are giving generously to the campaign because they know that David is the right person to grow our economy and tackle our debt crisis. Their continued support is a sign of David’s growing momentum in this race.

”David impressively outraised Michelle Nunn because his message of real change in Washington is resonating with Georgians...  Through the generous efforts of our contributors, grassroots supporters, and volunteers throughout the state, David Perdue will make sure that Barack Obama and Harry Reid do not have one more vote in the United States Senate.

Click here to view the full statement, which includes a claim that Nunn's foundraising is mostly supported by out of state donors. Nunn's campaign said her contributions are 70 percent local.  

According to state-wide polling, the two candidates are statistically tied.  However, these latest fundraising figures reflect in the polling numbers quite well - while the two candidates are close, Perdue polls slightly ahead of Nunn.