Congressional candidates report finances
Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., raised about $370,000 in the first quarter of 2008, while his top Democratic challenger, Robert Daskas, raised about $233,000, according to disclosures filed with the Federal Election Commission this week.
Combined with earlier fund-raising, Porter has raised $1.6 million this election cycle and has more than $1 million in cash on hand. He is seeking a fourth term as representative for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, which includes parts of Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City.
Daskas has $450,000 on hand and has raised more than $580,000 since launching his campaign in November.
Another Democrat vying for the nomination, Andrew Martin, took in $23,000 between January and March. He has more than $200,000 on hand, much of it his own money.
The race is expected to be one of the hardest fought in the nation this November, as Porter battles to regain his position in a divided district where Democrats now have 21,000 more registered voters than Republicans.
Although Porter outpaces Daskas in fundraising, Porter isn't bringing in money at the pace he did two years ago.
Porter's April 2006 disclosure reported nearly $410,000 raised in the first quarter of that year, and he went forward with more than $1.3 million on hand.
Porter's 2006 opponent, Tessa Hafen, raised $370,000 in the first three months of 2006, her first quarter campaigning.
Daskas, a former prosecutor and first-time candidate who wasn't previously active in the Democratic Party, touted his homegrown support. More than three-quarters of his individual donors are Nevadans.
"I am grateful for all of the support I have received, including a father whose son recently returned from Iraq who sends a $10 contribution every month, and the many people I have met who are ready for a change in their representative," he said in a statement.
A spokesman for Porter said the congressman isn't worried about the fall-off in receipts compared to last election cycle.
"We're confident we'll be where we need to be," Matt Leffingwell said.
Contact reporter Molly Ball at mball@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.
