Eyeing a Senate Seat, Tammy Baldwin Has $1.1 Million on Hand

Wisconsin representative Tammy Baldwin's potential bid for retiring senator Herb Kohl's seat appears all the more plausible, given the openly gay congresswoman's campaign coffers. Baldwin raised $502,000 in the second quarter and now has $1.1 million in cash on hand, Roll Callreports. She raised $435,000 last month alone.

"This is a remarkable showing 16 months before the next federal election, and it's proof that Tammy Baldwin will be a formidable candidate if she decides to run," said Robin Brand, deputy executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. "We've already received a tremendous response from our donors and supporters, and the excitement is really beginning to build for what will be a historic campaign."

Gay Politics notes that Baldwin is unlikely to make a formal announcement on whether she will run for the Senate seat until the state recall elections in Wisconsin have taken place.

"As I reach out to people throughout the state, I am gratified by the encouragement and support that I'm receiving," Baldwin said in a statement. "Senate campaigns are expensive and fund-raising is an important measure of support."