If you've ever wondered what a political fundraising letter looks like, wonder no more. Former state Sen. John Kuhn sent out a letter to supporters asking to donate to his upcoming campaign for the First District Congressional seat. In the letter (attached to this story), Kuhn notes that he is ready to spend $250,000 of his own money. Insiders told Patch that at least $500,000 will be needed to be competitive in the contest.

Filing opens on Jan. 18. Here's a look at the state of the race thus far:

Who’s In:

• Former Gov. Mark Sanford
• Former State Sen. John Kuhn
• Teddy Turner

Who’s Close to Being In:

• Sen. Larry Grooms (R-37)
• Rep. Chip Limehouse (R-110)
• Rep. Peter McCoy (R-115)
• Wendell Gilliard (D-111)
• Robert Burton (Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for SC1 in 2010)
• Charleston County Councilman Elliott Summey
• Former Charleston County Councilman Curtis Bostic

Who’s Out:

• Sen. Paul Thurmond (R-41)
• Sen. Chip Campsen (R-43)
• Rep. Leon Stavrinakis (D-119)

Rumored:

• Rep. Jim Merrill
• Former Chief of Staff to Tim Scott, Joe McKeown
• Carroll "Tumpy" Campbell
• Mike Seekings
• Larry Kabrovsky
• Mark Lutz
• Andy Patrick
• Ken Glasson
• Keith Blandford
• Jay Byars
• Elizabeth Moffly

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