Jul 6, 2019

How Buttigieg is spending his Q2 fundraising haul

Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Mayor Pete Buttigieg's campaign raised $24.8 million in the second quarter of the year, and is using the cash to grow his previously lean on-the-ground operations, reports Politico.

Why it matters: The boost in funds comes at an important time as Buttigieg's staff plays catch up with rivals' campaigns in early voting states. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) built a robust ground operations months ago, per Politico. Buttigieg also needs to find a way to connect with black Democrats — many of whom are wary of him following a police shooting in South Bend, Ind., says AP.

  • Since announcing his candidacy, the Indiana mayor concentrated on media, travel and fundraising efforts.
  • Buttigieg added 30 organizers at the end of June to what was previously a team of just 4. There are plans to grow the campaign staff to 300 people by Labor Day, sources shared with Politico.

The big picture: David Axelrod, a campaign strategist for former President Obama, says Buttigieg's fundraising numbers show he's able to "sustain himself in the race," notes Politico. But Buttigieg's position among nearly 2 dozen candidates will depend on how he spends the money.

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Minneapolis unrest as hundreds protest death of George Floyd

Tear gas is fired as police clash with protesters demonstrating against the death of George Floyd outside the 3rd Precinct Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minneapolis police used tear gas during clashes with protesters demanding justice Tuesday night for George Floyd, an African American who died in police custody, according to multiple news reports.

Driving the news: The FBI is investigating Floyd's death after video emerged of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for several minutes, ignoring protests that he couldn't breathe. Hundreds of protesters attended the demonstration at the intersection where Floyd died, per the Guardian.

Go deeper (1 min. read)ArrowUpdated 37 mins ago - Politics & Policy

U.S. coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios. This graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced plans Tuesday to make wearing face coverings mandatory statewide for most people over the age of 10 when inside public places like retailers, on public transportation and government buildings. He announced the measure, effective Friday, as coronavirus case numbers increased to 39,342.

By the numbers: More than 98,900 people have died from COVID-19 and over 1.6 million have tested positive in the U.S. Over 384,900 Americans have recovered and more than 14.9 million tests have been conducted.

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World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

Japan is preparing a second coronavirus stimulus package worth $1.1 trillion, or about 40% of the country's gross domestic product, Reuters first reported Tuesday night.

Zoom in: The new measure will be funded by government bonds and will include "a raft of loan guarantees and private sector contributions," per Bloomberg.

Go deeper (2 min. read)ArrowUpdated 1 hour ago - Health