OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Incumbent Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe is on track to spend $6 million in his re-election bid, more than twice the amount of Democratic challenger Andrew Rice, according to the latest campaign reports.
“We’ll top $6 million,” said Josh Kivett, Inhofe’s campaign manager. He said Inhofe had over 14,000 contributors.
The Rice campaign, which has criticized Inhofe for accepting over $1 million in donations from the financial sector, reported raising almost $2.6 million and had $199,000 cash on hand as of Oct. 15.
Inhofe, by contrast, had almost $1.4 million in cash after raising $4.8 million. He had spent $4.2 million, much of it on a television blitz.
Heading into the final week of the campaign, Inhofe picked up an endorsement from The Oklahoman after being endorsed the week before by the Tulsa World.
Rice counted endorsements from The Muskogee Phoenix, among other newspapers.
In campaign reports filed by congressional candidates, Rep. Dan Boren of the 2nd Congressional District continued to lead all incumbents with total receipts of about $1.6 million. Boren, the only Democrat in the delegation, had more than $1 million in cash.
His opponent, Raymond Wickson, did not file a report.
In the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Republican John Sullivan had raised $991,000 and had $322,203 in cash.
Sullivan’s Democratic foe, Georgianna Oliver, reported raising $527,000, including $443,000 she loaned to her campaign.
Rep. Mary Fallin of the 5th District topped the $1 million mark in fundraising. She had $250,000 in cash. Her opponent, Democrat Steven L. Perry, had not reported any financial activity, according to the Federal Election Commission Web site.
Rep. Tom Cole of the 4th District also raised over $1 million and had $652,000 in cash. Democrat Blake Cummings listed $7,563 in contributions and had $3,489 in cash.
In the 3rd District, Rep. Frank Lucas raised $510,000 and had $217,000 in cash. He faced two underfinanced opponents. Democrat Frankie Lee Robbins reported raising $22,000 and independent Michael W. Forrest showed $62,000 in receipts, including a $50,000 loan.
Your vote counts
Wednesday is the last day to request an absentee ballot for the general election.
Regular polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 4.
Or, you may vote in-person absentee at the county Election Board office from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; or from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
