Democrat McNerney Holds Financial Edge Over GOP Rival Harmer
SACRAMENTO (AP) - The Democratic incumbent in California's most reliably competitive congressional district appears to have a significant financial advantage leading up to the November 2 election.
Rep. Jerry McNerney, who represents Northern California's 11th Congressional District, has reported raising $700,000 during the past three months, leaving him with $1.4 million cash on hand.
His Republican opponent, San Ramon attorney David Harmer, has reported more than $550,000 in donations between July 1 and Sept. 30. His campaign had not released his latest cash-on-hand figure by early afternoon Friday, the campaign-finance reporting deadline for U.S. Senate and House candidates.
Last quarter, McNerney emerged with a 5-to-1 lead in remaining cash.
McNerney is seeking a third term in a district that presents a challenge to incumbents of either party, given the near-even split between registered Republicans and Democrats. It stretches from the left-leaning eastern suburbs of the San Francisco Bay area to the more conservative San Joaquin Valley.
The Pleasanton lawmaker's recent fundraising success, strong voter outreach program and record of accomplishments for the district put him in a solid position in the final weeks of the campaign, spokeswoman Sarah Hersh said.
Representatives for Harmer's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Leaders from both parties have identified the 11th District race as one of the most competitive contests in California this year, and outside organizations with deep pockets have jumped in with radio and TV ads.
The National Republican Congressional Committee, which named Harmer to its Young Guns campaign assistance program, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which endorsed him last week, have run ads in the district. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, meanwhile, has purchased its own ad time to support McNerney.
Within the past two weeks, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and former New York City major Rudy Giuliani have both campaigned on Harmer's behalf.
In the 3rd District, near Sacramento, Republican Rep. Dan Lungren also is facing a tough battle for re-election.
The Democratic challenger, Elk Grove physician and educator Ami Bera, has consistently raised more money than Lungren so far, and his campaign has reported bringing in an additional $550,000 over the most recent period.
Two Southern California incumbents are considered vulnerable as well _ Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez in Orange County's 47th District, and 45th District Rep. Mary Bono Mack, a Republican. Their opponents have so far run extremely well-funded and highly organized campaigns.
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