"I am

extremely pleased and excited with the support that I have been shown

so far, " said the Morrow Democrat. "My staff and I have been

working hard every day to reach out to those friends and supporters that

helped me win election to the state Senate and previously to the state

House as well as many new supporters that I have not yet had the opportunity

to serve. The response has been overwhelmingly positive."

In addition

to the fund-raising numbers, Hecht has gained the early endorsement of

many local elected officials in the largest county in the district. The

population of Clayton County represents nearly 36 percent of the district.

"Going

in, we had no idea what our opponents were going to be able to raise;

we just knew that we had to meet our goals," explained campaign manager

Patrick Owens. "At this point, we are ahead of schedule, and January

has been better than expected. Sen. Hecht's positive message is resonating

with supporters and as a result, he will have the money needed to share

that vision with all voters in the coming months. We couldn't ask for

anything more we're right on track."