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CARNAHAN, TALENT COLLECT BIG BUCKS IN 2001
The following piece by Chris Cillizza appeared in the "At the Races" section
of Roll Call on Thursday, January 31, 2002.
Freshman Sen. Jean Carnahan (D) raised more than$4 million in 2001,
while her opponent, former Rep. Jim Talent (R), raked in nearly $1.8
million in the final five months of the year.
Carnahan collected $4.3 million during the past year and has
nearly $2.8 million left on hand, according to new campaign finance
reports. Her total of $2.3 million raised in the first six months of
the year puts her at the head of the Democratic class up for re-
election in 2002.
"She has proven herself to be an effective Senator,"said Carnahan
spokesman Dan Leistikow, "and the support she has received is a
reflection of peoples' desire to see her continue her efforts on
behalf of Missouri's working families."
Talent has raised $1.79 million since June 30, 2001, and he banked
$1.3 million for his campaign against Carnahan. He spent $467,000 in
the past six months.
"I was pleasantly surprised by the response," Talent said
Wednesday. "I am pleased that we are closing the gap with Jean," he
added.
The ex-lawmaker only began seeking donations for the race
inAugust, according to his campaign, which pointed out that 70
percent of his fundraising total was collected over the last three
months of the year.
Talent's fundraising has benefited from the strong support of the
White House as well as his former connections in Washington as a four-
term Member of Congress.
Former President George Bush, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, vice
presidential adviser Mary Matalin as well as Sens.Don Nickles (R-
Okla.) and Larry Craig (R-Idaho) went to the state to raise money for
Talent. In addition, former home-state colleague Sen. Kit Bond (R)
has been very active on Talent's behalf.
Talent was also able to raise upward of $275,000 from PACs, an
indication of the strength of the relationships he formed while in
Washington.
His campaign is quick to point out, however, that 87 percent of
Talent's fundraising total was raised in the state.
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