Boxer-Fiorina Senate Race A Toss-Up

Only eight weeks out and the Boxer-Fiorina Senate race remains a toss-up. The pair will have a second televised debate on September 29th. Fiorina has the backing of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who yesterday launched a multimillion dollar ad campaign against Boxer.

With the Senate race in dead heat, the chamber's ad campaign could provide a substantial boost to Fiorina, who has trailed Boxer in fundraising. After the six-week reporting period that ended June 30, Boxer had nearly 12 times more cash on hand than Fiorina, who had approximately $1 million. Boxer, who did not have any significant primary opposition, had spent $5.8 million by the end of June to Fiorina's $9.7 million. Neither candidate has aired television ads during the general election phase of the campaign. "Barbara Boxer has been hostile to the business community," said Bill Miller, the U.S. chamber's political director. "Our decision shows that we believe she is vulnerable and that there is a viable alternative who will advocate on behalf of those who create jobs."