Fisher Posts $780,000 Quarter in Ohio Senate Race
Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher raised more than $780,000 for his Senate campaign in the final three months of 2009, solidifying him as the Democratic frontrunner in the race to succeed retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R).Fisher’s campaign said that its fourth-quarter take brought the campaign’s total receipts to $3.25 million. Fisher and other Senate candidates must file detailed campaign finance reports by Jan. 31.Fisher is competing in the Democratic primary with Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, who has struggled to raise money. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee seems to prefer Fisher; it has spent some limited coordinated expenditures to boost his campaign.Fisher’s report will show a $5,000 contribution from the leadership PAC of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), who represents neighboring Michigan.Former Rep. Rob Portman and car dealer Tom Ganley are seeking the Republican nomination. Portman is the best-funded candidate in either party.