Tennessee State Sen. Andy Berke has $100,000 in his war chest

BY THE NUMBERSCampaign finance reports for state Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, and Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge.Berke: $105,517 raised, $126,069.45 cash on handDean: $21,262.50 raised, $36,569.54 cash on handSource: Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - State Sen. Andy Berke raised a little more than $100,000 in campaign contributions last year that he can use to run for re-election to the 10th District seat or possibly shift to a 2013 race for Chattanooga mayor.

On Tuesday, Berke, a Chattanooga Democrat, reported to the state Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance that he raised $105,517 between July 1, 2011, and Jan. 15. His campaign cash on hand is $126,069.45, records show.

Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, reported raising $21,262.50. Dean has said he is considering running against Berke for the Senate. Redistricting made the district more Republican, adding areas such as East Ridge and a large slice of Bradley County.

Dean has a $36,569.54 cash balance, according to his finance report. Senate Republicans are expected to help him should he decide to run.

Berke said he still is deciding between the Senate and a mayoral bid.

"I've been talking to local citizens about the future of our area. There's certainly a desire to see leadership for our future as we face the next several years," he said.

"I think people are hungering for practical leadership that offers solutions on jobs and education," Berke said. He noted that 340 individuals and about 20 political action committees gave to his campaign in a nonelection year.

Berke said he doubts state law would let him turn money from his Senate campaign account over to a mayoral campaign.

But Drew Rawlins, executive director of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, said Berke could do just that, depending on timing and circumstances.

He said Berke can use "excess" money left over from his 2008 race immediately or after 2012 elections if any "excess" money he raised in 2011 or 2012 remains.

"The money he's raised for 2012 is not excess until the 2012 election is over," Rawlins said. "If he doesn't spend it in that election [by not running for Senate] it becomes excess and he could transfer it."

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