U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin raises most cash in quarter

November 03, 2009

The Oklahoman

Michael McNutt

The three major gubernatorial candidates found themselves running neck and neck in raising money during the third quarter of this year, campaign reports filed with the state Ethics Commission show.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins raised more money than fellow Democrat, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, in the most recent reporting period. But Edmondson still has about a 2-1 lead over her in total money raised.

Edmondson is the first gubernatorial contender to crack $1 million in contributions. He also leads with the most cash on hand among the four running for governor in 2010, records show.

The campaign reports were due Monday. The primary elections are in July, and the winners from those will square off next November in the general election.

Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, who is not seeking a third term in Congress, reported raising $417,944 for the reporting period of July 1-Sept. 30.

That put her total raised at $872,388. She reported having $438,992 on hand as of Sept. 30.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who is not seeking a second term as lieutenant governor, reported raising about $40,000 more than Edmondson for the latest reporting period.

Askins reported raising $405,544 in the most recent reporting period, putting her total raised at $670,334. She reported having $414,782 on hand as of Sept. 30.

Edmondson, who is not seeking a fifth term as attorney general, reported raising $365,354 during the most recent reporting period. That put his total at $1.3 million. He reported having $771,458 on hand at the end of the reporting period.

Brogdon, R-Owasso, who is not seeking a third term in the state senate, reported raising $54,694 during the most recent reporting period. That puts his total raised so far at $123,085. He reported having $58,947 on hand as of Sept. 30.

Brogdon has said he isn’t planning on raising as much money as the other three. Edmondson, who earlier transferred $223,269 from his attorney general campaign account, had said his goal is to raise about $3 million.

Askins and Brogdon had transferred much less from their campaigns — Askins, $3,912, and Brogdon, $7,384. Fallin had $95,524 in her congressional account, but money in federal campaign accounts cannot be transferred to state campaigns.

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