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Thursday, July 17, 2008 , 12:00 a.m.

Washington: Candidates report fundraising, area incumbents show strength

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate incumbents Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., are millions of dollars ahead of their potential Democratic rivals in fundraising, according to second quarter campaign finance reports posted this week.

Sen. Alexander raised $662,000 during the three months that ended June 30 and spent $319,000, according to the reports, and he has $3.2 million on hand.

Nashville attorney Bob Tuke is the most well-funded Democratic contender for the Senate seat, the reports say, having raised $200,000 in the quarter while spending $156,000. He has $260,000 on hand, the reports say.

Fellow Democrat and Nashville businessman Ken Eaton reported raising $255,000, which included a personal loan of $230,000. He spent $25,000 in the quarter and has a $230,000 balance, his report said.

Former Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett, also a Democrat, reported raising $47,000, spending $93,000 and retaining a $32,000 balance.

The three Democrats will face off in the Aug. 5 primary.

“We are running a serious statewide organization that far outpaces our primary opponents mainly because our early investments will lead to new leadership,” said Chris Song, spokesman for Mr. Tuke. “Our contributions don’t equal (Sen. Alexander’s), but we don’t have to defend a disappointing voting record.”

Mr. Eaton, who got into the race in late May, said he is the only electable candidate among the three Democrats.

“I’m a businessman, not a politician, not a lobbyist,” he said. “Mr. Tuke is a lobbyist. Mr. Padgett is a career politician, and people want change.”

Mr. Padgett’s campaign touted the fact that he has visited all 95 counties in Tennessee and brushed off any concerns that he trails his primary opponents significantly in fundraising.

“Mike may not have a network of friends in the big law firms and corporate boardrooms of Nashville like Bob Tuke does, but he has faithful support, from his home turf in East Tennessee to the working men and women of Memphis,” said Jedidiah Brewer, Mr. Padgett’s campaign manager.

Sen. Alexander’s campaign officials said his fundraising totals show broad appeal across the state, including support from Democrats and independents.

“Our support indicates that we will be fully prepared to run and win the general election,” said Brian Kaegi, the campaign’s finance director.

CHAMBLISS FAR AHEAD OF RIVALS

In Georgia, Sen. Chambliss reported raising $702,000 from April 1 through June 25, while spending $385,000. He has a $4.1 million war chest, his report showed.

Democratic contender Vernon Jones, chief executive officer of DeKalb County, reported raising $153,000 in that span, while spending $252,000 and leaving $150,000 on hand.

Mr. Jones’ opponent in the Aug. 5 Democratic runoff, former state Sen. Jim Martin, reported raising $431,000, while spending $434,000. He has $330,000 on hand, his report said.

The Georgia candidates’ filings do not report numbers through the end of June because of the state’s earlier primary, held Tuesday.

Neither Democrat could be reached for comment Wednesday, but Sen. Chambliss said he is not taking his race for granted despite his huge lead in fundraising.

“I’m looking forward to the next three weeks being over with and having an opponent we can go face to face with,” Sen. Chambliss said. “It’s going to be a long, hard road from here to November.”

HOUSE FIGURES FAVOR INCUMBENTS

In House races, Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., reported raising $115,000 in the second quarter and has $901,000 in cash on hand. His Democratic opponent, Doug Vandagriff, did not report any fundraising.

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., raised about $342,000 and has a $462,000 balance, according to his report. Republican contender Monty Lankford raised $79,000 and has $140,000 in cash on hand, reports show, while fellow Republican Kent Greenough raised $69,000 and has $62,000 in available cash.

Rep. Jimmy Duncan, R-Tenn., reported raising $171,000 and has a $1.6 million war chest, while Democrats David Hancock and Bob Scott did not report any fundraising activity.

Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga., raised $5,000 and has $267,000 in available funds, reports show, while Democrat Jeff Scott reported no fundraising.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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