Underdog in GOP race for governor falls further behind

While his competitors have raised more than $1 million each to run for governor, Republican Yancey McGill raised enough money in the latest fundraising period to afford, well, a four-door sedan.

The former state senator and lieutenant governor from Williamsburg reported Monday raising $33,905 in the three-month fundraising period that ended June 30.

McGill has $12,203 on hand after spending $123,240 during the quarter. That puts him at a significant disadvantage in the three-way race with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and Charleston attorney Catherine Templeton in next June’s GOP primary.

No Democrat has announced to run for governor.

McMaster will report raising more than $800,000 during the quarter, according to his campaign. Templeton raised about $750,000. Both have surpassed $1 million in their fund-raising efforts.

McGill said he has spent the last few months on the road, campaigning across the state. He said he has not focused on fundraising, which he will do over the next six months.

(Just for the record: It is illegal for a candidate to buy a car with campaign cash.)

This story was originally published July 10, 2017 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Underdog in GOP race for governor falls further behind."