Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton launched a new campaign Web site today in his effort to unseat two-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., in the Dist. 9 Democratic primary Aug. 5.
Some critics questioned the seriousness of Herenton's campaign after his kickoff in February because he had raised no money and included little more than a photo and bio on his Web site. Notably, the new site features a way for supporters to make campaign contributions online.
"During the next 45 days we will commence an intensive fundraising effort to reach our campaign goal," Herenton said, declining to discuss a specific target. "It is interesting to note that in the last couple of weeks we have received greater interest on the part of some of our business and civic leaders to donate to our campaign."
This week Herenton filed a financial disclosure with the Federal Election Commission, which showed he has $5,400 in cash on hand. In the coming weeks, Herenton said, his campaign will have a series of fundraising events in Memphis and in other cities across the country.
"We acknowledge that we will never outspend the opposition in this campaign," he said. "That was never our intent. Nor do we need the significant amount of resources that he has amassed, no. We're going to target our grassroots campaign, which does not require a million dollars."
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