Challengers attempt to keep pace with congressional incumbents

Challengers attempt to keep pace with congressional incumbents

Challengers in two area congressional races were financially competitive with the incumbents during the year’s third quarter, but their overall campaign war chests are far smaller than the sitting members.

U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire of McCandless, Pa., D-4th, raised $280,749 between July 1 and Sept. 30. His main Republican opponent, Melissa Hart of Bradford Woods, Pa., who lost her House seat last year to Altmire, raised $235,466 during the same time period.

While Hart, who held the congressional seat for six years, was competitive with Altmire for three months, the incumbent enjoyed a huge head start in raising money.

Altmire raised $514,110 during the first six months of the year compared to $3,675 for Hart.

In Ohio’s 14th District, which includes northern Trumbull County, U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, the Republican incumbent from Bainbridge Township, raised $119,704 between July and September. William O’Neill of South Russell, his Democratic opponent, received $102,872 in contributions during the same time frame.

O’Neill quit his appeals court judicial job in July to run for the seat. He raised no money for the congressional campaign until July 30. LaTourette raised $438,296 during the year’s first six months.

After expenses, LaTourette had $500,806 in his campaign fund as of Sept. 30 compared to $77,977 for O’Neill.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.