AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has given his campaign for the U.S. Senate $6 million in the last six weeks, demonstrating the advantage of being a multi-millionaire politician.
In a routine campaign filing Friday, Dewhurst said he also raised another $500,000 in contributions, for a total of $6 million.
Dewhurst has served as lieutenant governor since 2003, but before that he created a natural gas business. His total wealth is over $250 million. His name recognition and the ability to finance his own campaign made him the front-runner to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert is another self-made millionaire businessman in the race. Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz has relied on support of tea party groups across the state and nation.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.