Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

Strickland leads Blackwell in cash for governor's race

By Matt Leingang

Associated Press

COLUMBUS | Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland continues to hold an edge over Republican J. Kenneth Blackwell in cash available for the November election, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday.

Strickland raised $2.5 million in June and July, giving him $5.1 million on hand, his campaign said.

Blackwell, Ohio's secretary of state, raised $415,111 in June and $1.6 million in July, giving him $3.3 million in his account.

During the last reporting period in early June, Strickland led Blackwell 2-1 in cash available, but recent fundraising efforts are giving Blackwell a push, his campaign said.

President Bush attended a fundraiser for Blackwell on Wednesday in northeast Ohio. The event drew about 650 people and raised about $1.5 million, the campaign said. Some of that money was included in this report and some will be reported in August.

"Ken Blackwell's anti-tax, job-creating message is inspiring Ohioans and they have responded with overwhelming support," said Blackwell campaign chair Lara Mastin.

Blackwell got $50,000 from the Ohio Republican Party and 90 donations of $10,000, the maximum an individual can give. Among those donors were Akron industrialist David Brennan and his wife, Ann.

Strickland, who leads Blackwell in polls, got $30,000 from the Ohio Democratic Party and 69 donations of $10,000. His maximum-donor list included New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and TV host Jerry Springer, a former Cincinnati mayor who considered running for governor.

Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey said the campaign continues to enjoy broad support from across the state.

"Ohioans are ready for change in Columbus, and together we're going to turn around Ohio," said Strickland, a congressman from Lisbon in eastern Ohio.

Campaign cash

Highlights of campaign finance reports for activity between June and July, filed Thursday. Expenditures were not required to be reported during this cycle:

Governor

Democrat Ted Strickland:

Raised $2.5 million

$5.1 million on hand

Republican J. Kenneth Blackwell:

Raised $2 million

$3.3 million on hand

Attorney general

Democrat Marc Dann:

Raised $207,793

$486,397 on hand

Republican Betty Montgomery:

Raised $717,837

$2.3 million on hand

Auditor

Democrat Barbara Sykes:

Raised $71,070

$308,655 on hand

Republican Mary Taylor:

Raised $215,610

$618,417 on hand

Secretary of state

Democrat Jennifer Brunner:

Raised $136,467

$551,657 on hand

Republican Greg Hartmann:

Raised $145,750

$772,880 on hand

Treasurer

Democrat Richard Cordray:

Raised $186,545

$1.3 million on hand

Republican Sandra O'Brien:

Raised $3,175

$7,415 on hand

Supreme Court

Term beginning Jan. 1

Democrat William O'Neill

Did not reach the $1,000 threshold to file a report

Republican Terrence O'Donnell:

Raised $213,178

$425,529 on hand

Term beginning Jan. 2

Democrat Ben Espy:

Raised $108,480

$116,665 on hand

Republican Robert Cupp:

Raised $184,798

$394,177 on hand

Source: Ohio Secretary of State

On the Net:

Campaign finance reports: http://www.sos.state.oh.us

More: The latest on the 2006 election