Goodman's Cooks

The Cook family will hold a fundraiser for Sen. Jack Goodman's 7th District Congressional campaign next week as the final quarter of year winds to a close.

Chip, Loren and Jerry Cook are headlining an event for Goodman at the Doubletree Hotel on North Glenstone on Tuesday evening.

Rep. Charlie Denison, Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Ray Weter and Rep. Jay Wasson as well as GOP fundraiser Neal Ethridge are also listed on the fundraising invitation.

Goodman trails both Sen. Gary Nodler and auctioneer Billy Long in fundraising.

PLUS: Nodler backer Gregg Hartley TWEETS of shifting alliances:

"MO-7 Congressional race: watch year end reports to see donors who are shifting allegiance;2 candidates have shifting sands," proclaimed Hartley in a Friday Tweet.

Herschend Holding Funder For Long

Branson entertainment mogul Peter Herschend will hold a fundraiser for Billy Long's 7th District Congressional campaign next week.

Herschend, co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment, will hold a reception for Long in the Hilton Promenade on the Branson Landing next Thursday from 5:30-7:00 p.m, according to a flyer sent to The Notebook.

The maximum $2,400 donation will make you a host; $1,000 to be a sponsor.

Individual tickets run $250.

Long is running for the 7th Congressional district GOP nomination against six other candidates.

Blunt Raises Cash, Talks to Chamber

Congressman Roy Blunt will address the Springfield Chamber of Commerce's Government Relations Committee early Monday morning.

The meeting, which is open to the media, takes place at 7:30 a.m., and will likely focus on healthcare.

MONDAY NIGHT: BLUNT RAISES DOUGH
In Highland Springs

• GOPer says total receipts should amount to a haul between $175,000 and $200,000
• 31 top tier Republican donors listed on the invitation; 100 estimated in attendance
• Both Billy Long and Sen. Gary Nodler among those in attendance. Sen. Jack Goodman not spotted.

Fourth quarter fundraising is expected to be the toughest of the year because of the holidays.

Purgason "Encouraged" By Public Policy Poll

Longshot U.S. Senate candidate Chuck Purgason said he's encouraged by a new Public Policy Polling survey that shows his support in double-digits and noted that Congressman Roy Blunt's high unfavorable numbers in the Ozarks exemplify the problems of the Republican Party's frontrunner.

The poll, conducted between November 13 and 15th, shows Purgason trailing Blunt, 53% to 16%in a primary match-up. But in a potential general election match-up, as a candidate that 75 percent of the state doesn't know, Purgason only loses to Democrat Robin Carnahan by seven points.

"When you work grassroots, you start by planting seeds," Purgason said in an interview with The Notebook Wednesday night.

"WE'RE GOING TO BE ON DEFENSE"

"Polls don't have much affect on me. I have my basic core values and that's what I'm going to do no matter the poll, but I think it's encouraging," Purgason added. "I think what it tells you is that there's a strong anti-incumbency mood out there and that's what I've been seeing as I travel the state. The two parties are so blurred in their leadership."

Purgason pointed to Blunt's 38% favorable rating in the 417-Ozarks area code. "Those aren't very good numbers. We haven't even seen the negative attacks on Congressman Blunt yet. The bridge to nowhere, the TARP bailouts, the cash for clunkers. We're going to get into a fight that we don't have to have. We're going to be on defense," he said.

In the Ozarks, voters are divided over Blunt's favorability, 38%-38%. Carnahan's favorability in 417-land is 26%. Purgason's is only 10 percent.

"NOT IN THIS FOR A DEAL"

But in all of the crosstabs of the data, Purgason's biggest obstacle is name identification. Three-quarters of the state's potential voters don't seem to have enough information to render an opinion on him.

Purgason acknowledges that fundraising has been a challenge. "It's tough to do. Until filing opens and people know I'm serious, people are trying to figure out if I'm serious about this. I've had people say, what are you holding out for? But I'm not in this for a deal."

Asked about potential fundraising opportunities, Purgason said he has been in touch with the conservative Washington, D.C. based group, The Club for Growth. But he seemed hesitant about attempting to tap into money from interest groups outside Missouri.

"If a pro-second Amendment or pro-life group or conservative group wanted to give me money, I would accept it. I don't have any problems taking money from people who agree with my core values. But I really have a problem with so much money coming from Washington into Missouri races," Purgason said, adding that he knows he's "a little nieve."

"Look at all the outside money in the Blunt campaign. I would like to stay away from all that," he said.

When pressed, Purgason said he would accept the Club for Growth's backing if offered. "I would like to have their help, I'm just not thrilled about going to Washington to get it. And I can't afford the plane ticket right now," he said.

But the Caulfield State Senator realizes the only way he'll become a real threat for the GOP nomination, is if he's able to raise some cash.

At the end of the September, Purgason reported raising only around $11,000, with just $1,067 on hand to spend. He reported a total of about 20 contributors.

"I honestly think if I had half the money either of them had," he said, referring to Blunt and Carnahan, "I could win this race."

Schweich Explains Fundraising Advantage

Republican candidate for Auditor Tom Schweich says his fundraising advantage over Rep. Allen Icet is fueled by "rank and file Republicans. But Icet says it's due to former Sen. John Danforth's rolodex.

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE*

"It's not coming from PACs, it's not coming from other politicians like some of my competitors. It's coming from rank and file Republicans," said Schweich.

"One of his main assets, if you will, is John Danforth," responded Icet. "Sen. Danforth has a great rolodex."

BOTH Schweich and Icet have been concentrating their efforts on Springfield. Schweich said he's been to the Queen City between 10 and 15 times already. Icet said he's been to Springfield as many as three times in one week.

Tommy Sowers: Live From New York

Two former U.S. Senators helped host a fundraiser in New York City Monday night for 8th District Democratic Congressional candidate Tommy Sowers.

Sen. Bob Kerrey and Sen. Bill Bradley joined Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels and other stars from the show at the event for Sowers.

In a FACEBOOK message, Sowers thanked the attendees: "Great friends from Duke, SF, West Point, humbling introductions from Sen Kerrey and Bradley, lots of new folks, and SNL cast (Lorne/Seth/Kristen/Jason) made for a fantastic first NYC fundraiser. Keep spreading the word."

The fundraiser and meet & greet on West 55th Street was sponsored by Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century of New York.

Sowers is challenging Republican Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson in the 8th District.

***

"LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD"

ALSO: Kerrey, who is Sowers' national finance chair, also sent out a fundraising e-mail for Sowers: "Throughout his decorated career as an Army officer, our friend Tommy Sowers has exhibited the attributes of leadership that our nation so desperately needs in public life: patriotism, honesty, and strength of character. A man of action and not just words, Tommy leads by example and exemplifies the vital notions of duty and personal responsibility---both so important, yet so rare to find. That is why it is with our highest possible recommendation, we are honored to support his candidacy for the U.S. Congress," wrote Kerrey and Jack Jacobs, retired U.S. Army.

"It is unfortunate that in the American political process the margin of victory is determined not by the quality of the candidate but the requirement for substantial resources. So, right from the start, we need to help Tommy Sowers level the playing field and give him the chance of a fair fight," the e-mail continues.

***

SOWERS CAMPAIGN DEFENDS CONTRIBUTIONS

Asked by The Notebook whether the campaign saw any drawbacks from raising so much money out-of-state, spokesman Jonathan Feifs responded, "Our candidate is raising money from individuals. Unlike former insurance lobbyist Jo Ann Emerson, he can't call other corporate lobbyist friends for contributions."

"Most of Jo Ann Emerson's money is from K Street lobbyists and corporate PACS. I think the symbolism here is our contributors are from individuals," Feifs.

ON SNL Cast Support: "Lorne Michaels was a guest lecturer at West Point in Tommy Sowers' class and has been a supporter of Tommy Sowers, since the campaign began," said Feifs.

The GOP blog The Source recently outlined Sowers' out-of-district contributions. The blog noted that only 11% of Sowers' contributions came from people who can vote for him.

Emerson's campaign declined to comment.

Long Nets Another 'Get'

Tom Carter, a key Republican player in the 7th Congressional district and a prolific fundraiser for Congressman Roy Blunt, has signed on to help Billy Long's U.S. House campaign, The Notebook has learned.

Carter, who was said to be deciding between Long and Sen. Jack Goodman's campaign, notified the Goodman camp of his decision late last week.

Long said he was thrilled to have Carter's endorsement.

"No one knows the 7th District like Tom," said Long. "I know Tom was close to Hal Donaldson so I didn't bug him until Hal decided not to run. I called Tom the day Hal announced his decision and have been trying to get his endorsement ever since," Long added.

Goodman's campaign declined to comment.

The pick-up for Long continues a series of good news bits for a campaign that appears to be gaining momentum less than ten months from the August 2010 primary. Long's fundraising numbers have turned heads among political insiders from Branson to Jefferson City.

Long's campaign operation is also more willing to play up its positive developments in the media than his two other main rivals.

Carter will not hold an official role on Long's campaign team, but rather assist with fundraising and grass roots efforts. Carter did not immediately return a call for comment Monday evening.

Carter's alliance with Long also sets up an intriguing inner-party dynamic. Carter, who used to manage license fee offices along with his wife Leslie during Gov. Matt Blunt's administration, is also helping 4th District GOP candidate Vicky Hartzler.

Hartzler's main rival for the nomination is Sen. Bill Stouffer, whose campaign is being run by Kansas City-based GOP consultant Jeff Roe. Roe has also gotten behind Long's effort and is expected to be ramping up his engagement in the 7th District in the coming months.

Goodman has a familiar GOP name leading his fundraising efforts. Heather Grote,was the chief fundraiser for Sen. Kit Bond's political action committee, KITPAC, and has also signed onto Blunt's U.S. Senate campaign.

But Goodman's third quarter fundraising effort was widely seen as a disappointment, putting more pressure on Grote and the rest of the campaign to keep up with Long in the remaining months of the year.

Multiple sources also say that Goodman's camp is angling to get Greene County prosecutor Darrell Moore out of the race.

One consultant, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Goodman is worried about Moore peeling away potential support.

But former Blunt chief of staff and GOP player Gregg Hartley also signaled Monday that Long may want Moore out of the race.

"Caller tells me both Goodman and Long trying to get Darrell Moore out of primary in MO-7th congressional; good reasons for him to resist," Hartley wrote in a Twitter post.

A Quarter Of Blunt's 3rd Quarter Haul Came From PACS

PLUS: BURN BABY BURN

Blunt & Carnahan Both Post Burn Rates Over 40%

Twenty-seven percent of Congressman Roy Blunt's third quarter campaign contributions came from political action committees (PACS).

The Hotline broke down contributions to 2010 U.S. Senate candidates and found that Blunt received a total of $358,700 from PACS.

His likely Democratic opponent, Robin Carnahan, received $127,815 from PACS, amounting to about 12 percent of her total money raised between July and September.

"When you look at how many lobbyists and corporations are funding his campaign, it becomes obvious that he has been in Washington too long," said Missouri Democratic Party executive director Brian Zuzenak, referring to Blunt's fundraising haul.

But money from PACS is a two-party game. Only three 2010 U.S. Senate candidates took in more PAC cash than Blunt over the last three months: All are incumbents, two are Democrats (Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid & Sen. Blanche Lincoln).

Still, Democrats believe Blunt's slight fundraising advantage over Carnahan is directly due to his PAC money advantage.

Overall last quarter, Blunt outraised Carnahan by $231,404. Counting just PAC money, Blunt beat Carnahan by just about the same margin, $230,858.

But as The Hotline notes, both Blunt and Carnahan area also some of the top Senate candidate spenders across the country.

Blunt spent $789,985, which was the fifth highest burn rate during the 3rd quarter. Carnahan spent $601,481, which put her not far behind.

That means Blunt has spent 44% of what he's raised since the beginning of the cycle. Carnahan has burned through 42% of her total campaign funds already.

But neither camp is likely concerned. As a marquee battleground match-up, there will be lots of more cash for both camps to burn through.

Icet Rolls Out Southwest Missouri Support

GOP State Auditor candidate Allen Icet touted endorsements from all his state House colleagues in the 7th Congressional district during a campaign swing through Southwest Missouri Tuesday.

Icet's campaign announced that Joplin State Rep. Marylin Ruestman and former Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt would serve as his 7th District campaign chairs.

He also announced his grass roots captains in each county. In Greene County, they include City Councilman Nick Ibarra, Circuit Clerk Steve Helms as well as GOP stalwarts Thelma Neff and Larry Russell. Prosecutor Ron Cleek has signed on to help in Christian County.

Check out Icet's endorsement page on his website, where he has question marks over the names of some House colleagues who have not yet signed on. The page seems not to be up to date to include the public endorsements of lawmakers like Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Eric Burlison and others.

Icet boasts 4 State Senate endorsements, but none from Southwest Missouri.
***
$$$ MONEY WATCH $$$: During the 3rd fundraising quarter, Icet raised a total $4,300 out of Southwest Missouri. Cassville Rep. David Sater donated $1000 and Marshfield Rep. Mike Cunningham donated $500.

Meanwhile Tom Schweich raised $88,575 out of Southwest Missouri zip codes.

Icet's Overall Burn Rate (% of Money Raised That's Already Been Spent): 42%
(Icet received two contributions totalling $31,000 after the Sept. 30th that are required to be reported but will show up on the 4th Quarter fundraising report.)
Tom Schweich's Overall Burn Rate: 7%

Icet is competing with former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich for the GOP nomination.

Inside the 7th District Numbers

While auctioneer Billy Long is the undisputed 7th District Republican Congressional fundraising leader, Sen. Jack Goodman boasted the most donors who gave over $100 and Sen. Gary Nodler raised the most money outside the district.

A quick 3rd Quarter breakdown -- based on reportable contributions of $100 or more:
Statistics are based on money raised between July and September by each candidate in Springfield, Joplin and outside the Congressional district. The burn rate is the percentage of money raised that's already been spent.

BILLY LONG
Springfield $49,450 (1)
Joplin $2,400 (2)
Outside the 7th $14,850 (2)
Total Itemized Contributors 105 (2)
Key contributors: Postitronics President John Gentry, David O'Reilly of O'Reilly Auto Parts, Investor Stephen Plaster and SRC CEO John Stack.
Burn Rate 10%

GARY NODLER
Springfield $4,450 (3)
Joplin $16,450 (1)
Outside the 7th $29,350 (1)
Total Itemized Contributors 93 (3)
Key contributors: Springfield Attorney Tad Morlan, former Sen. John Danforth, Killian Construction CEO William Killian
Burn Rate 20%

JACK GOODMAN
Springfield $12,215 (2)
Joplin $730 (3)
Outside the 7th $3,275 (3)
Total Itemized Contributors 225 (1)
Key contributors: Attorney Dee Wampler, Tourism Commission Kelly Swanson, Greene County Commission candidate Conrad Griggs, Greene County Prosecutor candidate Steve Fenner
Burn Rate 40%

3rd Quarter Campaign Finance Questions Answered

Last week we raised 10 key items to monitor as 3rd quarter campaign finance reports trickled in. Now we have (most) of the answers:

1. The Blunt-Carnahan TIEBREAKER quarter: Congressman Blunt won his second straight quarter in a row to take a $430K cash on hand lead in what is expected to be one of the most expensive 2010 U.S. Senate races in the country.

2. PAC Money With PUNCH: Blunt and Carnahan's full reports are not yet posted on the FEC website, so we can't yet evaluate the amount of PAC money each raised over the last three months.

3. 7th District Candidates Who Topped $100K: Only Billy Long. He raised $104K.

4. Bill Stouffer's advantage over Vicky Hartzler: Non-existent right now because of Hartlzer's $105,000 loan. The loan has kept her in the game, actually propelling Hartzler to a $10 K cash on hand advantage over Stouffer. The question now is if she's willing to spend it.

5. Tom Schweich's BIG MO, Does it make him the frontrunner? Yes. It turns out all that GOP establishment deal-cutting matters. Schweich more than doubled-up GOP Budget Chair Allen Icet in fundraising for the State Auditor race. His donations show he's also making inroads in Southwest Missouri, critically important in any GOP primary.

6. Is Tommy Sowers another Joe Allen? Nope. His fundraising numbers proves he's the real deal. The buzz is that his brain is even more impressive. Sowers raised a little $200K and finished $3,000 ahead of Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson in cash on hand. Of course, now he's got the GOP's attention. Ironically, one of Missouri's smartest political observers pointed out to me that Ike Skelton could be Tommy Sowers' biggest roadblock to a real race. The more time and money the DCCC has to use to defend Skelton, the less that will be available for longshots like Sowers.

7. Who's got the small size donors? Since they don't need to be itemized, it's really tough to tell. Only Tom Schweich touted "dozens of contributions" of less than $100. Sen. Gary Nodler calculated an average donation size of $337. Of course on the state level, there's really no incentive to pick up small donations because there are no contribution limits.

8. Does Darrell Moore raise 20K? Yes. 7th District candidate Moore reported $28K, in the ballpark where he needed to be. Too bad he spent most of it, leaving him with just $11K on hand.

9. Billy Long's burn rate vs Jack Goodman's burn rate: All campaigns account for their expenses differently. And when the reports came out, allies of Long's rivals began grumbling about how few disbursements Long had. Still, the numbers show Long has spent just 10% of what he's raised cycle to date. Goodman's number was eye-popping to politicos across the spectrum. The Mt. Vernon State Senator has spent a staggering 40% of what he's raised since the start.

10. How big was Nodler's margin of victory? Zilch. The conventional wisdom was wrong. Team Long smartly played down expectations and Nodler raised $77K to Long's $104K.

Hartzler Keeps Pace With Stouffer . . . With A Loan

STOUFFER PUTS UP SOUND QUARTER
Boosted by $105,000 personal loan, former State Representative Vicky Hartzler reported a higher total than State Sen. Bill Stouffer during their first head-to-head fundraising quarter in the 4th District GOP primary contest.

Hartzler reported raising $221,969 compared to Stouffer's $203,335.

But Stouffer raised more money from individual contributors and put together a respectable first full quarter of fundraising.

Hartzler loaned herself $5,000 on July 17th and $100,000 on September 29th.

That lead to Hartzler being able to report more cash on hand to spend. She has $210,692, while Stouffer holds $200,109. Hartzler spent $13,676; Stouffer spent only $3,326.
***
Stouffer's campaign pointed out that he's only been raising money for six full weeks, "roughly half of the available time in the 3rd financial quarter." "Senator Stouffer raised more money in six weeks than the combined first quarter results of all of Ike Skelton's 17 past opponents covering a period of over 33 years and more money in six weeks than all of Skelton's opponents raised for their campaigns combined in the last 13 years," said spokesman Christian Morgan in a statement.

Hartzler's campaign said they've been fundraising for five weeks and received contributions from 311 people.

NAMING NAMES:

STOUFFER DONORS: Doug Albrecht ($1000), Peter Herschend of Branson ($250), Gordon Kinne of Springfield's Med-Pay ($1000)
HARTZLER DONORS: Jerry Hall of Jack Henry ($4800), Peter Herschend of Branson ($1000), Sen. Delbert Scott ($100)

Goodman Spent More Than He Raised 3rd Quarter

Sen. Jack Goodman spent more money that he raised during the third fundraising quarter, leaving him with $137,544 dollars to spend for his 7th District Congressional campaign.

Goodman reported raising $46,090 between July and September, spent $51,306 and refunded $5,500.

An ally from a rival 7th District camp e-mailed: "Horrible. I have never seen a candidate spend more than he raised this far out."

VIEW Goodman's REPORT HERE.

With reports from the four top candidates now filed, it's clear that Auctioneer Billy Long is the undisputed fundraising frontrunner on all accounts.

Billy Long now has more cash on hand than his three top challengers COMBINED.

7th District Cash on Hand

Nodler $144,042

Goodman $137,544

Moore $11,144

=

$292,730

****

Long Cash On Hand = $405,162

Ike Has $600K . . . And Ken Morley

Congressman Ike Skelton is reporting having more than $600,000 on hand to spend for his 2010 re-election bid.

His campaign said it has raised about $330,000 between July and September.

As of 4:25 p.m. his report was not available on the Federal Election Commission website.

ALSO BUZZWorthy: Gov. Jay Nixon's top political consultant Ken Morley is aiding Skelton's re-election bid.

"Missourians know Ike Skelton is an independent leader who is committed to creating jobs and delivering for the families of the 4th Congressional District. They trust Ike because he puts his neighbors before politics, and they know that he is always on their side,” said Ken Morley, a campaign advisor. “Missourians want to make sure they have Ike’s Missouri values and independent voice in Washington.”
***
Republicans Sen. Bill Stouffer and Vicky Hartzler are widely viewed as Skelton's main GOP challengers in 2010. Their campaign finance reports have not yet been posted as of this writing either.

Blunt Wins 3rd Quarter Fundraising, Maintains Cash Advantage

Congressman Roy Blunt inched out Robin Carnahan in third quarter campaign fundraising to give himself about a $430,000 cash on hand advantage over the Democratic Secretary of State about a year before the election.

During the last three months, Blunt reported raising about $1.3 M to Carnahan's $1.07 M, about a $230,000 difference. That leaves Blunt with $2.27 M of cash on hand to spend, compared to Carnahan's $1.84 M.

Carnahan's campaign noted that the $1,071,572 raised between July and September added up to their best quarter yet. Blunt's campaign release seemed to taunt Carnahan with this headline: "Left-Wing Money Galore Still Leaves Liberal Robin Carnahan in Last Place."

"Carnahan's allies including ACORN and the League of Conservative Voters have gone negative, spending nearly $500,000 since April on false television and radio ads attacking Roy Blunt for voting against the energy tax and the proposed government-takeover of health care," reads Blunt's third quarter fundraising release. "Where in the world is Robin Carnahan?," said Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer "Our candidate is traveling the state with a message of common sense Missouri solutions, visiting with voters, telling people where he stands, answering questions and standing up for Missouri values."

Nodler Raises $77K

Sen. Gary Nodler reported raising $77,276 during the third fundraising quarter -- a total that rival camps view as surprisingly low for the Senate Appropriations Chair.

Nodler has $144,042 on hand to spend -- which lags behind Billy Long's spending money by $261,119.

Nodler's campaign reported having 229 donors in the 3rd quarter with an average donation size of $337. But Long supporters view Nodler's total as a huge win for their campaign, which did not hold a single organized fundraiser during the third quarter. In May, before announcing his candidacy, Nodler told Roll Call that he would be able to raise "more money in more parts of this Congressional district than any other candidate."

"I will have a less regional fundraising report in the sense that I think you'll see contributions from every part of the Congressional district," Sen. Gary Nodler said at the time.

Sen. Jack Goodman's fundraising numbers have not yet been released.

Fundraising Cheat Sheets on Schweich & Long

AS WE WAIT
3rd Quarter campaign finance reports are expected to be posted throughout the day Thursday, but here's a quick peak at key statistics on two significant candidates who have already filed their paperwork.

Tom Schweich (R) Candidate for State Auditor
Raised: $349,029
Cash to Spend: $322,078
Burn Rate (% of money already spent): 4% ($13,206)
% of Reported Money Raised in Springfield: 20% ($71,550)
Largest Donation: $25,000 from Sam Fox
% of Donations of $2,000 or More: 71%

Billy Long (R) Candidate for 7th Congressional District
Raised: $103,919
Cash to Spend: $405,161
Burn Rate (% of money already spent - cycle to date): 10% ($46,575)
% of Reported Money Raised in Springfield (3rd Q): 48% ($49,450)
*Maximum donation in federal races for a primary is $2400/$4800 total

ALSO: 30th District State Senate Candidate Bob Dixon (R) files a 48-hour report Wednesday reporting a $30,000 contribution from Davis Properties.

Long Raises $104,189; Maintains 7th District Cash Lead

CASH KING

Auctioneer Billy Long raised $104,189 during the last three months to leave the 7th District Republican U.S. House candidate with a whopping $405,162 on hand to spend.

Long's campaign finance numbers were posted on the Federal Election Commission's site Wednesday morning.

Long's campaign said it received contributions from 217 individuals between July and the end of September. During the second quarter, Long had 179 donors.

"I am pleased with the support our effort has received from people all over southwest Missouri," Long said. "People are tired of career politicians and are embracing our effort to bring some commonsense conservative ideas to our nation's capitol," Long said.

Long is the first 7th District candidate to report his 3rd Quarter fundraising numbers. Sens. Jack Goodman and Gary Nodler have not yet revealed their totals.

All third quarter campaign finance reports will be made public by Thursday.

Schweich Posts Strong Quarter

Raises $349,029 in Campaign for State Auditor

Boosted by strong establishment support within the Missouri GOP, former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich announced he raised $349,029 during his first full fundraising quarter in his campaign for State Auditor.

The Schweich campaign is touting his total as "more than double" than the previous highest fundraising quarter for a State Auditor candidate, held by Claire McCaskill in January of 2002. McCaskill reported raising $171,040 (excluding personal loans) in January 2002, according to Schweich's release.

"I announced I was running for state auditor just twelve short weeks ago," said Schweich. "I am honored by the support I have received from voters across the state who believe my experience and my financial conservatism make me the best candidate to protect their tax dollars as Missouri’s next State Auditor," said Schweich in a statement.

Schweich's campaign noted "dozens of contributions" of less than $100.

Schweich is running the Republican primary against State House Budget Chair Allen Icet.

The winner will face Democratic incumbent Susan Montee in November 2010.

Tommy "The Real Deal" Sowers?

Reports $204,510 In Bid Against Emerson

8th District Democratic candidate Tommy Sowers announced raising $204,510 during his first fundraising quarter for his bid to replace Republican Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

Sowers cash haul will serve as an immediate eyebrow-raiser for veteran Missouri politicos who use campaign contributions to gauge a candidate's prospects. It's clear that out-of-state contributions fueled Sowers' 3rd quarter report.

"This filing exceeds the $146,312 raised in total by the last ten years of challengers to Jo Ann Emerson," reads the Sowers campaign release. "Contributions were received from over 400 supporters in 37 states, many of whom are current or former members of the military."

Sowers, who announced his campaign in early September, served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and is now teaching at the Missouri University of Science & Technology.

"This strong initial fundraising helps to ensure that my campaign has the resources we need to win. But we can’t and won’t slow down now. We know it’s going to be a long, tough fight. I’m running against an incumbent who is a former insurance lobbyist who has always filled her campaign coffers with plenty of lobbyist dollars," Sowers said in the campaign statement.

Sowers also included a statement from Missouri Democratic Party chair Craig Hosmer in his release.

"This is about the strongest support I’ve seen for a candidate - first timer or incumbent. These numbers demonstrate peoples’ belief that a strong leader who served his country in the US Army is exactly the kind of leader we need to send to Congress to serve his fellow residents in the 8th District," said Hosmer.

Third quarter campaign finance reports are due Thursday.