Kelso campaign out raises incumbent Miller over 2 to 1 in last quarter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2008
Contact: Tom Swatzel (843) 222-7456
Jill Kelso (843) 543-0180

GEORGETOWN- Jill Kelso, Republican candidate for state House District 108, announced today that for the quarter that ended on July 10th, she had raised over twice as much in campaign contributions, $45,965, including a candidate loan, than her opponent, incumbent Democrat Vida Miller, who raised $21,075 in the quarter.

Ninety-six percent of Kelso's contributions for the quarter, representing 49 individuals and businesses, came from within Georgetown County, while only 15% of Miller's contributions, amounting to just $3,250 and representing 13 individuals, came from within the county.

Georgetown County Republican Party Chairman Tom Swatzel says to his knowledge the amount Kelso raised in the last quarter is probably a record for any candidate, Democrat or Republican, for this House seat.

"Jill Kelso is gaining tremendous support from voters who want a change from the extremely liberal tax and spend voting record of Democrat Vida Miller, who from 2004 to 2007 voted with Governor Mark Sanford only eight out of 407 times when he vetoed wasteful pork barrel spending," Swatzel said. "I think the vast majority of voters in this district find that type of liberal voting record unacceptable."

"I am grateful for the outpouring of support for my candidacy and especially proud of the growing number of smaller contributors - 35 of them in the $50 to $200 range. It's that grass roots level of support that demonstrates folks in District 108 are ready for a Representative who will represent their conservative values in Columbia by working for lower taxes and limited government," Kelso said. "At this rate we will very quickly take the overall lead in fund raising."

For the November election cycle Miller and Kelso have raised $73,968 and $51,235 respectively and have on hand at the end of the quarter $60,984 and $40,361 respectively.