Congressional candidate John Katko has earned the status of “Young Gun” from the National Republican Congressional Committee after reaching the third and final tier of the group’s recruitment program.
Founded in the 2007-08 election cycle by Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program provides financial support to candidates in races across the country.
Katko is running in New York’s 24th Congressional District against Democratic incumbent Dan Maffei.
“Our job as a committee is to help elect Republicans to office that will serve as a check and balance on the Obama administration,” said NRCC Chairman Greg Walden. “John has outlined conservative principles that will grow jobs, stop the harmful effects of ObamaCare, and get Washington’s spending under control. John has met a series of rigorous goals that will put him in a position to win on Election Day.”
“We’ve assembled a strong ground team, begun raising sufficient local funds to competently share our message, and constructed a campaign platform that rejects labels, embraces bipartisan efforts for change, and offers realistic, common sense solutions to the economic challenges that face our community,” Katko said in response to the announcement. “This recognition will open more doors in our efforts to return New York’s 24th Congressional District back to Central New York voters. And while we have this sought after designation and pledge of support from Washington, Katko for Congress friends, supporters, and volunteers can rest assured that our campaign will remain solidly based in and focused on the needs of Central New York. I thank everyone who has volunteered, counseled, donated, and raised money on behalf of this effort. Today’s milestone is a win for all of us and for all of NY-24.”
Maffei announces second-quarter fundraising
Meanwhile, Maffei has announced a fundraising milestone of his own.
His campaign released its second quarter fundraising totals, covering the period from April 1 to June 30. In that time, Maffei’s campaign raised $426,753, giving him a total of $1.45 million in cash on hand. Maffei outraised his opponent by $100,000 in the second quarter.
“Rep. Maffei’s message of creating jobs, growing the economy, and strengthening the middle class is continuing to resonate with people across Central New York, and this strong fundraising quarter is a testament to that,” said Kane Miller, campaign manager for Friends of Dan Maffei. “As we enter the heart of campaign season, Rep. Maffei will continue to deliver his common sense message focused on strengthening the middle class to voters in the 24th Congressional District.”
