Del Toro leads all Virginia Delegate challengers in Cash-on-Hand, extends lead over Cole to $57,000

For immediate release:
July 17, 2007

Commander Carlos Del Toro (ret.) raised more than $63,000 in June, giving him over $194,000 raised since the beginning of the year. He ended the June quarter with over $147,000 cash-on-hand. Commander Del Toro (ret.) now has more money in the bank than any Delegate challenger in the state.

His opponent, Mark Cole, raised a paltry $12,000 in June, with 75% of his June funding coming from lobbyists, PACs and other Richmond interests. His anemic month leaves him with just over $89,000 in cash-on-hand. Del Toro extended his cash-on-hand lead from $14,000 at the end of May, to more than a $57,000 advantage at the end of June.

· Commander Del Toro (ret.) has more cash-on-hand than any other Delegate challenger in Virginia. [VA State Board of Elections, Campaign Finance Reporting].

• Commander Del Toro (ret.) has already raised nearly double the total Cole has raised in his previous two campaigns.

The continual outpouring of support means that Commander Del Toro (ret.) has more than doubled what his opponent, Mark Cole, raised in the 2003 cycle ($92,399) or the 2005 cycle ($86,464) [VA State Board of Elections, Campaign Finance Reporting].

Del Toro’s strong fundraising month reflects the momentum his campaign has been generating since January. Voters in the 88^th District support Del Toro to make sure their next representative from Stafford, Spotsylvania and Fauquier Counties has the understanding and conviction to create positive change.

"I am moved by the support people are showing our campaign and our plan to improve the quality of life in our community," said Del Toro. "I'm thrilled that so many people of both parties are joining the campaign, and I'm especially proud of the support we're receiving from the business and veterans communities."