Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District candidate Richard Wieland, “A Common Man with Common Sense” today announced his campaign funds have exceeded $500,000, demonstrating that he has the message and means to defeat Jim Himes.

“This election will demand a candidate with a message that can bring the votes and the funds needed to beat Jim Himes,” Wieland said. “As other candidates look at total fundraising goals of $2 to $2.5 million dollars to win in November, we have targeted $3.5 million as the must-have to successfully deliver a winning message to our citizens. I am confident that I am the only candidate that will be able to inspire donors and voters alike, and return Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District to our party.”

Mr. Wieland’s ascension to frontrunner status comes after just joining the race a little more than one month ago. Although his opponents have had many more months to secure a base, the Wieland2012 campaign leapfrogs their efforts and sets a new bar.