352,000

That's how much money Jim Himes raised in the second quarter in his quest to unseat Congressman Chris Shays.

352,000!

Greenwich Democrat Jim Himes raised about $352,000 in the last three months in his bid to unseat long-time incumbent Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4.

The early total is a record for a challenger in the 4th Congressional District and will likely clear the way for Himes to capture the Democratic nomination next summer without a primary. State Rep. Jim Shapiro, D-Stamford, announced last week that he would not run for the seat that Shays has held since 1987.

When you take into consideration that Republican Sean Sullivan raised anywhere between 25,000 to 30,000 in his challenge against Congressman Joe Courtney, this number is pretty damn impressive.


UPDATE 07.10.07: The Himes campaign issued this statement:

"The people who have contributed -- in amounts small and great -- and those who have given of their time and energy -- have shown that our District is ready for a different voice in Congress,” said Himes. “We want a Congressman who will put the chaos and confusion of an ill-conceived war behind us and move on to address the issues of the day: education, health care, transportation, energy independence and competent national security. Our working families in Bridgeport , our growing businesses in Stamford and our commuters from every corner deserve nothing less."

"My pride today is mixed. Today a man half my age is shouldering a weapon and climbing aboard a transport that will deliver him to a foreign battlefield. He, more than any of us, has cause to reflect on how we choose those who will send him away or bring him home,” continued Himes. “Would he, or any of the brave men and women in our military, be interested in dollars raised? Or would he instead select a leader based on the caliber of his ideas and judgment? Thank you very much to everyone who has given of their time and resources to demonstrate their trust in me to do the job better. It is time for change."