In Missouri statewide races, Democrats lead in fundraising

The Star's Jefferson City correspondent

In the five campaigns for Missouri statewide offices on this fall's ballot, Democrats hold a significant fundraising edge over their Republican rivals, according to disclosure reports filed this week.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon reported $6.3 million cash on hand at the start of September, compared to $1.4 million for Republican Dave Spence.

Spence, a St. Louis businessman, reported raising $1.5 million since the beginning of August, but he loaned his campaign $1.2 million of that total, or roughly 81 percent. Since getting into the race, he has loaned or given his campaign a total of $4 million.

Over that same time, Nixon raised nearly $1 million and spent nearly $1.8 million.

After emerging from a bruising Republican primary, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder reported only $18,000 cash on hand at the start of September. His Democratic opponent, former state auditor Susan Montee, has $185,000.

Despite a recent $250,000 donation from retired investment banker Rex Sinquefield, Republican Shane Schoeller still trails Democrat Jason Kander in campaign cash in the race for secretary of state. Kander reported having $950,000 at the start of September, compared to $285,000 for Schoeller.

In the attorney general's race, incumbent Democrat Chris Koster reported $2.5 million cash on hand at the start of September. His Republican opponent, Ed Martin, reported $194,000.

In the treasurer's race, incumbent Democrat Clint Zweifel reported $1.2 million cash on hand, compared to $49,000 for Republican Cole McNary.

Sign in with Facebook to comment.