Candidates in Key Races Enjoy Big Cash on Hand Advantages
MADISON – Campaign finance numbers released on Tuesday show Senate Democratic Candidates in targeted races jumping out to big leads over their Republican opponents:
- With nearly $100,000 cash-on-hand, Senator John Lehman has a nearly $60,000 advantage over his opponent, Van Wanggaard, who reported with $44,000.
- Monk Elmer, M.D., whose campaign has been labeled as one to watch in 2010, reported with nearly $60,000 on hand – more than tripling the total war chests of all 3 of his Republican opponents…combined.
- Senator Pat Kreitlow continued his strong fundraising numbers by posting $115,000 on hand. Terry Moulton, who had $25,000 cash-on-hand in January, has not yet had his report published online for comparison.
- Senator Kathleen Vinehout continued her advantage over Ed Thompson, reporting at over $60,000 on hand compared to his $46,000.
- Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker jumped out to a large lead over Pam Galloway, who was only able to increase her cash-on-hand total by $6,000 over her January totals. Decker has $175,000 on hand and enjoys a comfortable lead over Galloway’s $62,000 ($40,000 of which she loaned to herself).
- And in the 5th Senate District, experts expressed surprise that Leah Vukmir, with the weight of the entire statewide GOP donor establishment behind her, was only able to pull even with Senator Jim Sullivan. Even more concerning for the Vukmir campaign is recent polling showing her trailing Sullivan despite having already spent over $85,000 in the race.
- Also drawing raves was Grant County Supervisor Carol Beals – who was able to raise nearly $15,000 in her first three weeks in the race for the 17th District.
- The State Senate Democratic Committee continued to easily outpace the competition by raising over $160,000 and reporting with over $175,000 cash-on-hand.
