Politico: Wilson breaks $1 million
by Ben Smith
September 12, 2009
A source on Rep. Joe Wilson’s campaign says his fundraising has broken
$1 million — and surpassed that of his Democratic rival, Rob Miller
– since his outburst of “You lie!” during President Obama’s address
to Congress Wednesday.
The source said Wilson’s current tally is $1,005,021 from 18,859
donations amid a high-profile campaign on the Drudge Report and
elsewhere telling conservatives that Wilson is “under attack” for his
willingness to take on Obama.
Wilson, who initially apologized for his words, is now riding a
reaction that has surpassed the liberal backlash to his words: Miller
has raised less than $900,000, according to the Democratic fundraising
site ActBlue — though still more than enough to envigorate his
challenge.
Still, Wilson’s success — despite having been criticized by
Republican leaders — represents the power of the conservative
grassroots to reward politicians who confront the White House in the
sharpest terms.