Sen. John Cornyn Raises $2.5 Million in Second Quarter, While Democrat MJ Hegar Brings in $1 Million

WASHINGTON -- Texas Sen. John Cornyn continues to stockpile millions of dollars in campaign cash for his re-election bid next year, with the Republican's camp announcing on Monday that it raised more than $2.5 million in the second quarter of this year.The 20-year senator now has more than $9 million cash on hand -- and perhaps with good reason.Round Rock Democrat MJ Hegar has hauled in more than $1 million since launching her Senate bid in late April and now holds about $600,000 in reserve, her team said, highlighting the fundraising prowess she put on display last year in her near-upset of a longtime GOP congressman.Other Texas Democrats, such as former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, have also joined the race, while even more potential candidates, including Dallas state Sen. Royce West, are mulling over whether to join the fray.All signs point to another blockbuster Senate battle in Texas, which last year played host to the record-setting $136 million throw down between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, an El Paso Democrat now running for president."Over the last three months we've seen a massive surge in enthusiasm and grassroots support for the campaign," Cornyn campaign manager John Jackson said, adding that Texans don't want Senate Minority Leader "Chuck Schumer's politics here in Texas."  Continue reading...