Hill trails Elliott in October fundraising

LITTLE ROCK — Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill raised $110,247 during the first two weeks of October, compared to the $394,935 in contributions collected by his opponent in the 2nd Congressional District, state Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock.

Overall, the Little Rock incumbent has raised slightly more money during the election cycle ($3.11 million) than his challenger ($2.95 million), according to pre-general-election reports filed Thursday with the Federal Election Commission.

Less than three weeks before Election Day, the Hill campaign had cash on hand of just over $1 million. Elliott’s campaign coffers contained $261,816, the FEC filings showed.

“Our campaign is in a strong position to close out this election,” Hill campaign chairwoman Judith Goodson said Thursday evening.

“French Hill has kept his promises to the people of Arkansas’s Second District

by cutting taxes for Arkansas families and small businesses; fighting for affordable healthcare, more choices, and lower prescription drug costs; and stronger Medicare and Social Security,” it said.

Elliott spokesman Neil Goodman wrote the candidate enjoys “overwhelming grassroots support due to her people-first agenda.”

After accounting for $6,549 refunded to donors, Elliott had net contributions of $388,386.

Thursday was the deadline for filing the pre-general report. The next full report won’t be due until Dec. 3. However, candidates are required to file 48-hour notices with the FEC whenever they receive contributions of $1,000 or more.

In the U. S. Senate race, Republican incumbent Tom Cotton of Little Rock reported $298,451 in contributions during the first two weeks of the month. He listed a total of more than $12.8 million and had cash on hand of more than $6.5 million.

Ricky Dale Harrington, the Pine Bluff Libertarian nominee, reported contributions of $33,294 between Oct. 1-14. He listed a total of $68,191 for the cycle and cash on hand of $46,013.

Josh Mahony, the Fayetteville Democrat who dropped out of the race nearly a year ago, wasn’t required to file this week. He had previously reported receipts and disbursements totaling $372,735.

Dan Whitfield, a Bella Vista independent who failed to qualify for the ballot, previously reported $68,505 in net contributions and $43,941 in net expenditures through Sept. 30. His cash on hand, at month’s end, was $24,157.

In the 3rd Congressional District, Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers raised $36,498 between Oct. 1-14 and finished the period with more than $1.4 million left over.

His Democratic challenger, Celeste Williams of Bella Vista, listed contributions of $13,383 and cash on hand of $65,636.

A third candidate, Libertarian Michael Kalagias of Rogers, wasn’t required to file because he hadn’t raised or spent at least $5,000, the threshold that triggers reporting requirements.

In the 4h Congressional District, Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs listed net contributions of $45,871 between Oct. 1-14 and finished the period with just over $1.1 million cash on hand.

His Democratic opponent, William Hanson of Hot Springs, listed contributions of $948 and cash on hand of $4,936. Hanson, by mid-month, had loaned his campaign $69,200.

Libertarian Frank Gilbert of White Hall said he hadn’t raised enough money to make filing mandatory.

Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro is running unopposed in the state’s 1st Congressional District. He listed contributions of $12,930 during the reporting period and cash on hand of $251,706.