Republican candidate for Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District James Comer has outraised his opponent, Democrat Sam Gaskins, 80-to-1 in terms of net contributions.
But Gaskins, an Army and Marine Corps veteran from Christian County, says he’s received widespread bipartisan support and is feeling good about next Tuesday’s election.
According to the Federal Election Commission filings, Gaskins has netted just under $13,000 during his campaign, compared to nearly $1 million for Comer, who has received financial support from organizations and corporations like the NRA, the Ford Motor Company, Humana, Aetna and tobacco giant Altria. Gaskins says he's not a fan of that kind of fundraising.
“They’re going to go with whoever’s paying them," Gaskins said. "That’s why all my supporters have been Kentuckians. It’s been a hard battle. I’m not going to say it’s been all cupcakes and rainbows. It’s been a hard battle, but it’s been well worth the fight.”
Gaskins is also touting the endorsement of the Center for American Homeless Veterans, which issued a news release saying Comer "could not be bothered" to return their emails and calls asking him to affirm his support for their Veterans' Bill of Rights.
Gaskins said he’s been campaigning hard for every vote he can get.
“I have Trump supporters that are supporting me," Gaskins said. "I have Clinton supporters, Jill Stein supporters, even Gary Johnson supporters that are supporting me. I think they’re all just fed up with our lack of representation here.”
Gaskins and Comer are vying to succeed Representative Ed Whitfield who elected not to run for a 12th term and resigned in September. The winner of a special election also on the ballot will take office soon after results are certified.
