Bachmann fundraising staffer lands at Demmer campaign

Randy Demmer, via Facebook

Rep. Michele Bachmann’s loss is Randy Demmer’s gain. The Sixth District Republican lost a key fundraising staffer last week in an office shakeup that also saw the departure of her chief of staff. But that staffer, Bachmann finance director Zandra Walcott, is heading straight to the Demmer campaign to help in his bid to unseat DFL Rep. Tim Walz in Minnesota’s First Congressional District.

While Demmer raised just $80,000 less than Walz, the incumbent Democrat has a sizable cash-on-hand total that will be tough for Demmer to surpass.

Walcott, however, leaves the Bachmann campaign after a second quarter haul of $1.7 million.

A press release from the Demmer campaign also notes that Republican strategist Vin Weber has joined the campaign as chairman.

“Nobody understands Southern Minnesota better than Vin Weber,” said Demmer. “I am proud to have him serve as my campaign chair and help guide us through to victory in this fall’s election.”