One day and three apologies later, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has raised “more than $200,000” as a result of his now-popularized “you lie” outburst, confirms a campaign aide.
The sudden burst of cash donations comes in response to his Web video in which he requested campaign cash to help support his crusade against the proposed health care reform and help him battle hid Democratic opponents.
“On these issues, I will not be muzzled, I will speak up and speak loudly against this risky plan,” Wilson said in a YouTube video released Thursday evening. “The supporters of the government takeover of health care and the liberals who want to give health care to illegals are using my opposition as an excuse to distract from the critical questions being raised about this poorly conceived plan.”
Wilson published spread the word of his video on his Twitter page and asked that his followers “please watch and pass on.”
“[Democrats] want to silence anyone who speaks out against it,” Wilson also says in the video. “They made it clear they want to defeat me and pass the plan. I need your help now. … Contribute to my effort to defeat the proponents of government-run health care.”
The congressman went on disperse a fundraising email, insisting he’s confident “my voice is serving as the voice for Americans across the country who are tired of irresponsible government programs that have only worsened our situation.”
In sharp contrast, Wilson’s Democratic opponent Rob Miller has collected a reported $750,000 in response to the congressman’s outburst during President Obama’s address on healthcare reform.
Miller ran against WIlson for Congress last year in South Carolina and lost by 8 percentage points, making it MIllers smallest winning margin in five years.
The two will battle for a Congressional seat in next year’s race.
