Nashville News Blog

Roy Herron says he's raised $650,000 for his gubernatorial campaign in 30 days. He didn't say whether that includes the $282,000 that's sitting in his Senate campaign account. Still, it sets the bar for Mike McWherter, who unlike Herron could raise money during the legislative session. McWherter needs to top Herron's haul to show, as many observers believe, that he's the strongest Democrat in the race. Herron says:

"Old-fashioned hard work, brand new ideas and wonderful friends have been the keys to our fundraising success, and they are the keys to leading Tennessee forward in creating good jobs, strengthening education and improving healthcare. This far exceeds our goals and others' expectations. This overwhelming support proves we are on track to get the support we need to win."

Herron also should have credited the Rolodex of Democratic fund-raising diva Cathy Thomas, who's working for his campaign.

Update: McWherter reports $650,000 too. Kim McMillan reports $300,000 with $175,000 cash on hand. Here's McWherter's press release:

McWherter raises over $650,000 in 47 days

Jackson, Tenn. - Mike McWherter, a Democrat and small businessman from Jackson, will officially report in  his first campaign finance disclosure of his gubernatorial bid that he has raised over $650,000 since he filed as a  candidate on May 15, 2009 - the first 47 days of his candidacy.

McWherter, one of the last Democratic candidates to enter the race for Governor, is reporting that 99% of  the contributions to his campaign came from individual donors from all three of Tennessee's grand divisions, representing 68 counties across the state.

Included among the many Tennessee donors are some notable  Democratic political leaders, including Congressman John Tanner, State Senator and Senate Democratic Caucus  Chair Lowe Finney and Presidential Counselor and White House Director of Health Care Nancy-Ann DeParle.

"I'm excited about the incredible outpouring of individual support and friendship I've received from Democrats  all across our great state," said McWherter.  "Folks everywhere are stepping up to help get our campaign off the  ground, and are firmly committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that we elect a sensible leader with the  skills needed to tackle our extraordinary economic challenges."

Since he's entered the race McWherter has launched a campaign Web site - www.mikemcwherter.com - opened  up his statewide campaign headquarters in Nashville, and has assembled an experienced team of political  operatives, including seasoned campaign manager Kim Sasser Hayden and veteran fundraiser April Orange, as  well as having hired top-rate media and polling consultants.