Boccieri leads opponent in fundraising

State Sen. John Boccieri enjoys a financial advantage over his Republican opponent in the open 16th Congressional District race.

Boccieri, a New Middletown Democrat, had $250,523 in his campaign account as of March 31 compared to $103,475 for state Sen. J. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican.

Between Feb. 14 and March 31, Boccieri raised $224,466 while Schuring received $162,743 in contributions, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Boccieri has raised more money in each reporting period than Schuring.

Overall, Boccieri has raised $692,022 to $490,688 for Schuring between Jan. 1, 2007 and this past March 31.

The Fix, a political blog on The Washington Post’s Web site, had the 16th District as No. 3 on its list last week of seats most likely to change political party control in the U.S. House of Representatives. Retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, a Navarre Republican, has held the seat since 1973.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or vindy.com