HOUSTON – Austen Furse, Republican candidate for Texas Senate, District 17, the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Kyle Janek, today announced his “fundraising firsts.”

“Our campaign is off to a terrific start.  I am pleased with our progress.  We have assembled a winning team, and that team is working toward victory,” Furse said.

“We held our first Austin based fundraising reception last night.  I was pleased with the turnout and the contributions raised.”

The campaign collected over $20,000 in contributions and a significant number of pledges to be collected before June 30.  The event’s host committee included a broad array of Austin’s best known business and industry players.

The campaign also has recently mailed invitations to its first Houston based fundraising reception.  The reception is later this month.

“Our upcoming Houston fundraising reception is being hosted at the home of my great friends Windi and David Grimes.  I am honored to have the host letter signed by some of Houston’s best known Republican campaign financiers: Leo Linbeck, Bill McMinn, John Nau, Bob Perry, Scott Rozzell, and George Strake,” Furse said.

“These fundraising efforts will underwrite not only extensive paid media, but will support a significant focus on grassroots campaign techniques.  I will be releasing an update on our grassroots efforts soon,” Furse concluded.