NM businessman announces $150K haul for Senate primary

New Mexico Senate candidate Greg Sowards (R) brought in more than $152,035 last quarter as he looks to compete in a crowded primary field.

Sowards said the money came from conservatives and Tea Party members who "are looking for a well-funded, well-organized alternative to liberal Republican Heather Wilson."

Sowards raised $2,035 from supporters in the last quarter and donated $150,000 of his own money to launch his effort. He retains that amount in cash on hand.

Sowards currently faces Wilson, a former congresswoman, and Republican Bill English in the Senate primary. Wilson announced earlier this week she raised $303,394 in the first quarter. English has yet to release his fundraising numbers.

Sowards dismissed Wilson's fundraising total.
 
"Voters rejected Heather Wilson in a primary four years ago for the same reason they will reject her this time," Sowards said in a statement. "We will wage a creative campaign that will have the strength and message necessary to win, as the candidate that stands with integrity, while defending firm constitutional principles."

Wilson had $281,965 banked at the end of the quarter. 

--Updated at 12:31 p.m. on April 15