Self-financing the difference between Hans Tanzler and John Rutherford

The campaign finance reports for Hans Tanzler and John Rutherford are in, as both candidates compete for the GOP nod in Florida’s Congressional District 4.

Tanzler is ahead of Rutherford in total funds taken in: $558,055 to $373,570. But that topline number can be deceiving.

Tanzler has put $200,500 of his own money into the campaign … this despite filing to delay his financial disclosure until the end of July, which raises questions as to the exact source of that $200,000.

When that personal loan is taken out, Rutherford actually is winning the contribution race, as Tanzler has brought in $352,206. A good number, but slightly behind Rutherford’s $373,570.

Among Tanzler’s contributors are the following names of note.

Jacksonville City Councilman Greg Anderson, an Ortega resident like Tanzler, ponied up $250.

Notable Jacksonville donor John Baker maxed out for Tanzler. As did Marty Fiorentino, who has been helping Tanzler lay the groundwork for his fundraising efforts.

Many members of the land-rich Hutson family, from which Sen. Travis Hutson hails, maxed out for Tanzler.

As did Rick Morales, the immediate past president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

All told, Tanzler has $386,483 on hand, with $100,000 going to Front Line Strategies during the reporting period. Rutherford has $255,856 on hand.

Tanzler is ahead of Rutherford currently, but without a $200,000 personal loan, the CD 4 money race would be a different story.