Former Giffords aide raises more than $500,000 for Ariz. special election

Democrat Ron Barber raised almost $550,000 in the first seven weeks of his campaign to finish the term of former Rep Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), his campaign announced Thursday.

Barber’s campaign said 3,293 individuals had pitched in since he announced in February his campaign for the special election.

"I believe that fundraising isn’t just about the bottom line — it’s about people investing in someone they know will stand up for their values,” Barber said in a statement.