Government, Politics & Issues

Campaign finance: Clay, Wagner, Luetkemeyer hold large leads in cash on hand

St. Louis Public Radio | By Jo Mannies

Published February 1, 2016 at 12:41 PM CST

Rep. Lacy Clay — Rep. William Lacy Clay spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this morning about the tragic shooting in Arizona. (St. Louis Public Radio)

Updated 12:15 p.m., Feb. 1 with additional numbers - U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-University City, holds a huge financial lead over his Democratic challenger in next summer’s primary, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal.

According to campaign finance reports filed this weekend, Clay has $423,250 in the bank. That compares to $25,186 for Chappelle-Nadal.

The two Democrats are both from University City. Clay has held the 1^st District seat since 2001 and is the son of his legendary predecessor, William L. Clay Sr.

Chappelle-Nadal is challenging the current congressman because she contends Clay has not adequately represented the district’s residents. She was among the most outspoken politicians siding with the protesters following the August 2014 police shooting in Ferguson that killed 18-year-old Michael Brown.

Chappelle-Nadal also has $182,009 in her state campaign-finance committee, but the law bars her from using that money for her congressional contest. Federal campaign-finance laws are stricter than Missouri's.

Wagner raises most cash

Of the other Missouri members of Congress who filed their reports by Sunday night’s deadline, U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, continues to lead the pack. She reported $2.09 million in the bank, after raising $276,736 during the last quarter of 2015. The report for her announced Democratic rival for her 2nd District seat, state Rep. Bill Otto of Maryland Heights, was unavailable.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, was close behind with the second-largest war chest: $1.6 million. So far, he has attracted no opposition in either party for his 3^rd District seat for this year’s election.

In Missouri’s 8^th District, U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R- Salem, reported $534,000 on hand.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and his Democratic challenger, Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, had released copies of the summary sheets of their reports several weeks ago. Their reports are not yet available for viewing on the Federal Election Commission's web site.

Illinois

Across the river in Illinois, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, reported $1.37 million in the bank. His rival in next month’s GOP primary in the 15^th District, Kyle McCarter, reported $87,435.

By Monday, the FEC web site had yet to post the latest numbers for U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R- Taylorville, or for Illinois’ candidates for the U.S. Senate.