Money flowing in to race between Balderson, O’Connor

WASHINGTON — Three weeks before Election Day, Republican U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson has $387,588 in the bank to spend for his re-election, while Democratic challenger Danny O’Connor has $1.06 million.

The two are duking it out in one of the most competitive House races in the state. Balderson, of Zanesville, edged O’Connor in an Aug. 7 special election to represent Ohio’s 12th District until January. The two are now vying for a full twoyear term. The district was represented by Rep. Pat Tiberi until he retired in January.

While most candidates told the Federal Election Commission what they raised between July 1 and Sept. 30, Balderson and O’Connor filed reports covering Aug. 28 through Sept. 30 — a period right after the special election. Balderson raised $357,720 during that time, while O’Connor generated $1.3 million.

Of course, in addition to money raised by the candidates, their race attracted millions from outside interests, and the same could be true for the rematch.

In the U.S. Senate race, meanwhile, Rep. Jim Renacci announced that he raised $1.75 million in the third quarter in his bid to unseat two-term Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. That sum includes contributions to Renacci for Senate as well as the Renacci for Ohio Victory Fund, according to a news release issued Monday. Renacci for Senate alone raised $1.13 million in the third quarter and has raised nearly $7.4 million in this cycle, including $4 million lent by the candidate. Renacci had $4.3 million in the bank as of Sept. 30.

Brown announced last week that he raised $3.75 million in the third quarter and a record $27 million in this cycle. He has nearly $8.2 million in the bank, according to his FEC report.

Rep. Steve Stivers, an Upper Arlington Republican seeking a fifth term, had nearly $1.94 million on hand as of Sept. 30. He raised $444,843 last quarter and nearly $3.74 million in this twoyear election cycle.

His opponent, Democrat Rick Neal, raised $274,943 last quarter and nearly $1.2 million in the cycle. He had $608,842 at the end of last month and was $275,000 in debt.

Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Jefferson Township Democrat, raised $200,361 last quarter and has $1.36 million in the bank. She has raised $998,074 in this cycle. Her opponent, Republican Jim Burgess, does not appear to have filed a campaign-finance report, which is required after a candidate raises or spends more than $5,000.