Adler, Runyan Both Claim Campaign Fundraising Victories

Democrat Shelley Adler out-fundraised incumbent Republican Jon Runyan over the last several months in the race for New Jersey's third district congressional seat, however Runyan has nearly double Adler's cash on hand as the campaign launches into full swing.

Adler raised $322,081 in the second quarter of this year, narrowly besting Runyan's $300,062. But Adler's cash on hand totals just $492,846 compared to Runyan's $902,620.

Both campaigns are preparing for a competitive race, with Adler's challenge being helped through an influx of campaign cash provided by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee through its "Red to Blue" program, which focuses on nationally significant congressional races where a Democrat is challenging a Republican incumbent.

"Shelley Adler has raised more resources in each of the first two quarters this year than the incumbent has in any previous quarter because people are responding to her call for a new direction in Washington," said Adler campaign advisor, Michael Muller in an e-mail Monday.

Runyan Campaign Manager Kristin Antonello said the incumbent has more than twice the amount of campaign funds on hand compared to the same time during the 2010 campaign.

Antonello said the Runyan camp is "very confident" heading into the summer season.

Both candidates have netted a number of endorsements in recent weeks, including the Sierra Club, United Auto Workers, Emily's List and NJ State Council of Machinists for Adler.

Runyan has picked up the endorsement of the regionally-influential Recreational Fishing Alliance, as well as that of the United States Chamber of Commerce, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 322, NJ Laborers Union, Monmouth-Ocean Building & Construction Trades Council and the New Jersey Policemen's Benevolent Association, among others.

Runyan has recently focused his campaign on abolishing so-called "Obamacare" while Adler has positioned herself as an advocate for expanding education resources and preserving Medicare.