By Matt Snyder
Herald Staff Writer
3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
January 13, 2008 03:25 pm
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According to the campaign-finance tracking Web site www.opensecrets.org, Republican U.S. Rep. Phil English has raised $547,146 in campaign cash to date, about 73 percent of it from Political Action Committees.
Among the Democrats, Tom Myers was the top fundraiser, with $107,489, including $25,000 from his own pocket.
“Phil is going to be well financed through the general election, make no mistake about it,” said Myers, who added he can raise the cash to compete in the fall against English, who will enjoy special interest money out of Washington.
Mike Waltner, who came in second at $55,606, said he has a professional fundraising operation and a good finance team.
He said Myers has been campaigning longer and pointed to Myers’ own contribution. “Tom Myers is Tom Myers’ biggest supporter,” he said.
Kyle Foust raised $43,224, with about 15 percent of that from PAC funds. Foust, the only Democrat to have accepted PAC money, said, “I’m not worried about what other people raise, I’m worried about raising what I need to get my message out, and I’m confident I’ll reach those goals.”
He added that he was outspent 2-to-1 in his Erie County Council race four years ago and still won with 60 percent of the vote. “We didn’t do it by snapping our fingers, we did it with hard work,” he said.
Kathy Dahlkemper has not filed a campaign finance report according to the Web site. Despite that, she said she’s been pleased with the variety of backgrounds of her contributors and that her connections through volunteer work have been helpful.
Independent Dr. Steven Porter has also not filed a report, but said he’s raised about $30,000. “From me they’re all individual contributions. I don’t take special interest money.”
Republican John Drescher has only $500 listed on opensecrets.org
Democrat Tom Lynch has not filed a finance report, though he has set up a campaign finance comittee with the Federal Election Commission.
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