SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian’s campaign says it has raised $40,000 in the first week of his Democratic primary challenge to embattled Congressman David Wu.
Avakian campaign spokesman Jake Weigler released the fundraising total on Tuesday and said the campaign had another $17,000 in pledged contributions.
Wu has been battling media reports about erratic behavior that led several key staff members to quit.
Avakian announced last week that he would challenge Wu in the Democratic primary for Oregon’s 1st Congressional District covering west Portland and the state’s northwest corner.
A spokesman for Wu declined to comment. The incumbent raised $228,000 in the first three months of 2011.
