Beavers to host Macon County fund-raiser

December 29, 2005
Looking ahead to next year's election, State Sen. Mae Beavers will hold her second campaign fund-raiser in recent months — the last such event before the Tennessee General Assembly convenes — tonight in Macon County.
Beavers said event organizers anticipate about 100 guests will attend Thursday night's dinner, slated to take place at 7 p.m. at the Thomas House. The Mt. Juliet Republican added the fund-raiser should further strengthen her campaign coffers ahead of next year's election, when her seat will become one of the Tennessee Democratic Party's primary targets.
Beavers noted she has raised nearly $100,000 via a fund-raiser earlier this month and a fund-raising letter.
"We're hoping … with the other funds coming in tomorrow night, we'll have between $130,000 and $140,000," she said Wednesday.
As state lawmakers are restricted from raising campaign funds while the General Assembly is in session, Beavers said today's event will be her final fund-raiser prior to the end of session. Legislators are set to convene for the next session Jan. 10.
Beavers said she expects to have time to further boost her campaign warchest following the upcoming Legislative session.
"I expect the latest that we'll be in session will be the end of May," she said.
And while the Democratic Party has yet to introduce a challenger in the race, Beavers said the lack of knowledge regarding her opponent's identity does not play a significant role in the fund-raising process.
"You know about what a race will cost, I guess depending on who your opponent is going to be," she said. "But the way I look at it, I'm that much ahead of any possible candidate already. Raising money is hard … (but), it comes. People have been very good, so hopefully, maybe we won't need all of this."
Staff Writer Brian Harville can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at brian.harville@lebanondemocrat.com.