Follow the money
New campaign finance numbers have been released today by the Missouri Ethics Commission. For the races that The Maneater has been following throughout the election season, here is the total cash-on-hand for the major party campaigns as of Oct. 15, unless otherwise noted.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Jay Nixon still has a heavy hand in the finance race, and reported $3,195,629 cash on hand, while his Republican rival, U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, reported $1,229,313.
In other races for statewide office, the Democrats are dominating the funding race in the bid for Secretary of State. Democratic incumbent Robin Carnahan has $962,129, while Republican challenger Mitch Hubbard has $5,757.
The Attorney General race is also lopsided in terms of funding, this time for the GOP. State Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons' campaign reported having $834,277, compared to Sen. Chris Koster, D-Harrisonville, who has $53,549.
The Republicans also have the advantage in the lieutenant governor’s race, as well as in the race for treasurer: Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, a Republican, has $1,073,001 and his Democratic challenger Sam Page has $675,598. In the treasurer’s race, Rep. Brad Lager, R-Maryville, has $758,352, while Rep. Clint Zweifel,D-St. Louis County, has $263,434.
In local legislative races, state Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, who is running for re-election in the 19th District, has $129,468, while the campaign of his Republican challenger Kurt Schaefer reported having $76,075.
In the race for state representative in the 24th district, Republican incumbent Ed Robb has $53,775 and Democratic challenger Chris Kelly, who submitted his report Oct. 10, has $33,440.
In the 25th district race, Democratic contender Mary Still has $16,857 on hand, while the campaign of Republican hopeful Ryan Asbridge, who is currently overseas on orders from the U.S. Navy, has $7,934. Asbridge's report was submitted to the commission Oct. 14.