Rex posts low Q1 campaign contributions

Gubernatorial hopeful Jim Rex, a Fairfield County Democrat, Thursday posted low fundraising totals for the first three months of this year, bringing in only $187,000.

That sum includes four personal loans, totaling $42,100, from Rex to his campaign since February.

In contrast, Rex's chief Democratic rival, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden, raised more than $258,000 during the same time period and took out no loans.

With less than two months to go until the June Democratic primary, Rex has more than $113,000 on hand, trailing Sheheen – who has more than $800,000 in the bank – badly.

The third and final Democrat in the race, state Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston, raised nearly $32,000 during the quarter and now has almost $53,000 on hand.

Rex’s low fund-raising figures make it likely the state's current superintendent of education will not be able to mount a statewide TV advertising presence. To air a statewide TV spot for one week costs between $240,000 and $250,000, campaign experts say.

This story was originally published April 15, 2010 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Rex posts low Q1 campaign contributions."