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Driscoll, Bennett, Davis had early lead in campaign fundraising

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 22, 2020

Republicans Dan Driscoll, an Iraq War veteran and attorney, and Lynda Bennett, who has the endorsement of incumbent Mark Meadows, and Democrat Moe Davis raised the most money in early fundraising in the 11th Congressional District election.

Just four of the 11 candidates seeking the Republican nomination filed campaign finance reports for the period ending Dec. 31, which were due Jan. 31. All five Democrats in the contest filed reports. During the fourth quarter reporting period, the Republican candidates had been in the race for a little more than a week. No Republican had filed for the seat on Dec. 19, the day before qualifying closed, when Meadows made his surprise announcement that he would not seek re-election. Three Democrats had been campaigning for the seat for months and two more joined the race in the fall.

Driscoll raised $104,295, the most money among all those reporting at the end of last month, followed by Bennett, with $99,397, Chuck Archerd, with $10,500, and Albert Wiley Jr., with $1,802.

While just four Republicans filed campaign finance reports for the fourth quarter, according to records at the FEC and Open Secrets websites, most of the others have been raising money since Jan. 1 and are spending on 30-second political spots and campaign mailers. At least eight of the Republicans have a presence in television advertising and campaign mailers.

In the Democratic primary, Davis, an attorney and retired Air Force colonel, raised $88,284 followed by Steve Woodsmall, with $53,014; Gina Collias, $50,192; Michael O'Shea, $13,744; and Phillip Price, $6,820.

In state races, Brian Caskey led the field of three candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the Senate District 48 seat with $21,672 in fundraising. Cristal Figueroa reported $3,348. Najah Underwood reported she had spent $79 on campaign paperwork and raising none.

In the House District 117 seat Democrat Josh Remillard raised $3,275, his campaign finance report showed. Tim Moffitt reported on July 25 that he had a campaign debt of $88,000. The state Board of Elections showed no report for the fourth quarter.