Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, said no matter who McAuliffe appoints to the seat, “it would seem quite likely to me that fundraising would not be a problem” because Virginia would likely be the only Senate race next year.
Scott has brushed aside concerns about fundraising, telling The Washington Post last month, “I’ll be able to raise what’s necessary.”
Other potential picks for the seat include Reps. Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly, the state’s two other Democratic congressman, who both each had more money in the bank than Scott as of the end of September. Beyer raised more than $322,000 in the third quarter and had nearly $773,250 on hand. Connolly raised more than $252,500 and had more than $2.4 million on hand.
“Both Connolly and Beyer have more experience with fundraising but they may not generate the kind of increase in statewide turnout” that Scott would, Farnsworth said.
