According to pre-primary reports filed this week in Louisiana’s battleground 6th district race, state Sen. Bill Cassidy (R) is leading Rep. Don Cazayoux (D) in cash on hand totals, with the former Democrat-turned-Independent candidate Michael Jackson well behind in the money battle.

Cassidy, who is hoping to win back the Baton Rouge-based 6th district the the GOP lost in a spring special election, had $306,000 in cash on hand, $2,000 in debt and raised about $159,000 between July 1 and Aug. 17.

Cassidy, who was quickly backed by the Republican establishment after announcing in June that he would run for the seat, does not face any opposition in next week’s GOP primary.

Cazayoux, who is also without a primary opponent, reported $212,000 in cash on hand with $51,000 in debt and $172,000 raised during the pre-primary reporting period. Along with a money disadvantage, Cazayoux is also facing the handicap of having Jackson, whom Cazayoux beat in a Democratic special election primary this spring, on the ballot as an Independent candidate.

Jackson, who is black and may poll well among the district’s 33 percent black population, reported just $13,000 in cash on hand, $29,000 in outstanding debt and just $15,000 raised during the reporting period.

Cazayoux campaign manager Katie Nee said the campaign’s ability to outraise Cassidy during the pre-primary period shows Cazayoux has the momentum heading into the fall.

“Because of our fundraising success, we have been able to begin our television campaign a couple weeks ago with ads that let voters know about the work Don has been doing in Congress to fight for them,” Nee said in an e-mail.