Democrat Rob Zerban Q3 Fundraising Outpaces Paul Ryan

Democrat Rob Zerban announced Thursday that his third quarter fundraising outpaced US Rep. Paul Ryan during the same time period.

According to a written release, Zerban brought in about $770,000 compared to Ryan's $566,000.

“The amount of support coming in from across the country has been absolutely overwhelming,” said Rob Zerban. “We’re seeing an unprecedented grassroots movement against Paul Ryan’s plot to gut Medicare and student loans, in favor of common-sense solutions that work for Wisconsin’s working families. At this rate, Ryan’s headed for a rude wake-up call in November.”

The statement says that 96 percent of Zerban contributors wrote checks for $100 or less. Total contributions come to about $1.97 million.

Despite this success, though, Zerban trails Ryan overall in fundraising by a margin of two-to-one. According to a story in The Journal Times, Ryan's campaign warchest comes to about $4 million.

A press release from the Ryan campaign says the congressman's fundraising balance is impressive because the campaign hasn't been actively seeking contributions since Ryan was chosen as Republican Mitt Romney's running mate.

“The outpouring of support that Congressman Ryan’s campaign has seen in recent months shows that voters are hungry for leaders capable of solving the problems we face as a nation. Congressman Ryan has done precisely that, leading with proposals that reduce our $16 trillion debt, that make our tax code more competitive, and that get our economy back on track,” said Ryan Campaign Manager Kevin Seifert in the release.

Patch and WGTD Radio still anticipate hosting a live candidates forum with both Zerban and Ryan on Oct. 25 at Gateway Technical College in Racine.

Zerban has confirmed his participation, and we have let the Ryan campaign know that the congressman can be part of the debate via Skype or video feed if he can't be there in person. We are still waiting on confirmation from Seifert about whether or not Ryan will utilize this option.