Former Democratic Party Chairman Bob Tuke and Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett posted their fundraising totals for the first quarter of 2008 showing that Democrats across Tennessee want to see a new United States Senator unafraid to buck the Republican Party platform and agenda. Sen. McCain and company represent another four years of the Bush administration’s record in Iraq and the economy.
Tuke came in with $225,000 for the quarter and Padgett with $80,000. And while neither candidate hosted a major fundraising event nor did they raise money in January, February, and the first two weeks of March, they garnered enough money to show significant Democratic strength in this election. Subtract the Bush-headlined fundraiser for Sen. Alexander, and the senior Tennessee Senator posted approximately $300,000 proving the President is a financial heavyweight but a political albatross.
