In news that should surprise no one, Robin Carnahan and Roy Blunt raised tons of money for the soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat in Missouri.
Once against, the longtime U.S. representative from Springfield raised roughly $1.3 million and has $2.27 million of cash on hand. Carnahan, the Democratic secretary of state, raised roughly $1.07 million and about $1.8 million of cash on hand.
Without disparaging either candidate's ability to fundraise, I contend that the outside committees - like the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee - will be the biggest competitive gauge in this race. If both campaigns pour in money until the end of the campaign, then it's probably going to be a close race. If one campaign bails out before the end, then it's probably a sign of trouble.
Given Missouri's propensity for close contests and the fundraising abilities of both candidates, I say it's likely at this point that both committees will be committed to this race. Both candidates are obviously viable.
Other campaign finance tidbits from around the bend:
- Sen. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence, raised over $45,000 for his re-election bid and has over $106K on hand. Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, raised $11,600 and has about $31,000 on hand. Rep. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, raised about $6,400 and has $8,766 on hand. Munzlinger has officially announced he'll challenge Shoemyer next year. Hobbs, who is term-limited, is a potential Republican contender as well.
- Billy Long seems to be the fundraising winner in this quarter's sweepstakes.
- Thomas Schweich beat out state Rep. Allen Icet in fundraising for last quarter. Both men are running for state auditor.
- Gov. Jay Nixon raised about $373,000 this quarter and has $700,000 on hand. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder raised about $132,000 and has roughly $100,000 on hand in his committee.
Comments