A.G. Gancarski
Freshman Jacksonville-area Congressmen John Rutherford and Al Lawson may have different party labels.
But they both have strong fundraising in the latest campaign finance report, suggesting that either will be tough outs in primaries.
Rutherford hauled in over $155,000 off of 69 total contributions from January to June 2017; Lawson brought in over $158,000 off 118 total contributions, doing even better than Rutherford.
Rutherford’s donors, month in and month out, speak to the strength of his position. Many prominent locals — from Jaguars owner Shahid Khan on down — have given to Rutherford in the last six months. But national players, including House Speaker Paul Ryan‘s political committee, also ponied up to support the former Jacksonville Sheriff.
Rutherford’s committee has over $132,000 on hand, a number offset by nearly $96,000 in debts. Spending in the first half of 2017 period included consultant fees to Jacksonville locals Bruce Barcelo and Peret Pass.
Rutherford has yet to officially file for re-election; neither of the opponents who have filed, Republican Rob Ficker or Democrat Monica DePaul, have committees.
Lawson, still without that Jacksonville challenger, has over $148,000 on hand — a number offset by nearly $79,000 in debts and loans.
Of the over $158,000 Lawson brought in, over $116,000 came from political committees, with insurance and sugar interests well represented, as well as businesses ranging from CSX to McGuireWoods. Rutherford, for his part, brought in over $113,000 in individual contributions.
