By Matt Smith/msmith@trcle.com
U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards’, D-Waco, campaign reported $1,500,412.23 in the bank, according to Federal Elections Commission reports filed Tuesday. The report covers April 1 to June 30, during which time Edwards raised $292,397.36. Edwards’ total raised during the current election cycle amounts to $1,809,212.64.
Edwards’ challenger, Republican Rob Curnock, a Waco businessman, reported $5,495.89 cash on hand for the same period. Curnock raised $4,992.89 during the cycle. Curnock’s total raised for the current election cycle is $8,059.64.
Both are competing for the U.S. Congressional District 17 seat, which stretches from Hood County to Grimes County and includes Johnson County.
“While my main focus will continue to be working hard for our district to create local jobs and economic growth, I am humbled by the outpouring of support that will enable us to run another successful campaign,” Edwards said.
The cash-on-hand margin difference between the two campaigns gives Edwards a huge advantage, said Elizabeth Connor, Edwards’ campaign spokeswoman.
“Having over $1.5 million cash on hand in July of a campaign year clearly shows Congressman Edwards has strong support from Republicans, Democrats and Independents from across our district,” Connor said.
Curnock has likened the race to a David and Goliath contest and freely admits that he faces a formidable and highly financed opponent in Edwards.
“We’re not going to try to out raise the incumbent,” Curnock said last April. “He’s a Washington insider and has been for 18 years.”
Curnock said at the time that he intends to raise sufficient money to get his message out and highlight the difference on issues between himself and Edwards. Curnock said voters, including many former Edwards supporters, have been receptive to his message as he’s traveled throughout the district.
“We’re a little behind [in fundraising goals], but we started late in the game,” Curnock said. “That’s partly from entering the race late because we didn’t want to have to fight a contested Republican primary. But we’re cranking it up now. We’ve had some fundraisers and have more planned.”
Curnock said this year’s election might appear slightly less visible than the 2006 race between Edwards and Republican challenger Van Taylor for a reason.
“I’m not engaging my opponent right now and I assume he’s more focused on Barack Obama,” Curnock said. “Right now, I’m just working on getting my message out.”
Edwards publicly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Obama in February. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested last month that Edwards would make a good vice presidential candidate. Edwards said he was humbled by the suggestion at the time, but has remained tight lipped about the possibility since.
Curnock remains optimistic about the November election and said he intends to surprise a lot of people.
“Absolutely, I cannot tell you the positive response we are getting, which is very encouraging,” Curnock said. “People, who might have voted for my opponent in the past, are coming over to our side left and right.”
Curnock said Edward’s positions on Obama, troop funding and offshore and ANWAR drilling are out of touch with District 17 voters. As voters learn of Edwards’ positions, Curnock said, they also find they relate more to his message.
“I’ll be glad to debate my opponent on the issues any time,” Curnock said.
As of now, it’s questionable as to whether he’ll get that chance.
“No debates have been planned as of now,” Connor said. “And quite frankly, many Republicans and Republican groups have written off Mr. Curnock’s campaign as not being credible.”
