Brown says she needs millions for Senate run

http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-08-20/story/brown_says_she_needs_millions_for_senate_run

The campaign may not be official, but the scramble for a war chest has begun.

Still posturing for a possible U.S. Senate run, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., said she'll need at least several million dollars in the bank to secure a Democratic nomination in the race to replace Republican Mel Martinez.

During a Times-Union editorial board meeting on Wednesday, Brown said fundraising began this month although her Senate prospects remain "exploratory."

She said she's aiming for at least $500,000 in donations by Sept. 30. If she opts against a Senate run, she said the money could transfer to her re-election efforts in the U.S. House, where she's served since 1992.

Campaign funds pay for things like rallies and television advertising.

"If you don't have money in the bank, you are considered weak in Washington. I'm not weak, so I have to get the money," Brown said. "But it's not just about money. I have 17 years' experience."

That's a little too close to the truth, Ms. Brown, I don't think you are supposed to say things like that out loud if you want the backing of the people who are considered $trong in Washington.

Just sayin'