PHOENIX, April 1 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., has nearly $1 million in campaign funds, giving hope to supporters she might consider running for office again.
When Giffords left Congress in January to focus on her recovery from a gunshot wound that nearly killed her in Tucson, Ariz., she hinted she wasn't done with politics, The New York Times noted.
"I will return," the Democrat said in January, "and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."
Paul Ryan, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center in Washington told the Times Saturday it's not uncommon for candidates to hold on to their campaign funds even after they leave office.
"Even if you don't see the amount in the bank change, just having money gives some clout," he said.
Cathy Nichols, an adviser to Giffords, said having the money available gives her multiple options.
"Could she raise more money? Of course, but to start a race with strong financial footing makes the decision to run much less difficult," Nichols said. "The people who gave her money then gave it to say, 'Gabby, we believe in you.' "
Giffords was shot in the head in January 2011 while meeting with constituents outside a Tucson grocery store. Six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. She resigned from Congress last month to concentrate on her recovery in Houston.
