OH-07: Austria Top Fundraiser in This Contest

This just in...

Springfield, Ohio- State Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) posted strong fundraising totals for the second quarter today, outraising his Democratic opponent by more than $151,000.

“This report reflects what I have been hearing throughout the district, people agree with my priorities of job creation, growing the economy, and lowering gas prices. The majority of my contributions continue to come from individuals who know that I will best represent the views and values of the 7th District. In addition, we raised more than 80% of these contributions in June as momentum for our campaign reached a new high and our grassroots organizations were solidified in all 8 counties.”

Since the campaign began, Sen. Austria has raised nearly $820,000, far outraising his opponent by nearly $500,000. In the 2nd quarter report to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), Senator Austria reported more than $341,000 in contributions. Austria delayed his fundraising efforts due to his legislative commitments in April and May but was able to raise an impressive $280,000 in the month of June alone after the Ohio Senate recessed. During the Senate session, Austria, the Majority Whip of the Ohio Senate, help guide passage of the $1.5 billion Ohio Jobs Stimulus Package, the capital budget which included approximately $16 million for area projects in addition to funding for our colleges and universities, and the reappropriations budget which secured funding for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Springfield Air National Guard Base, and Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.

Senator Steve Austria is a 10-year member of the Ohio Legislature where he is currently the Majority Whip of the Ohio Senate. His State Senate district includes all of Clark and Greene Counties in the 7th Congressional District, where he earned 59% and 69% of the vote respectively in 2004, and comprises nearly half of the Congressional district’s population. The 7th District has been represented by a Republican Congressman since 1939 and all 8 counties are currently represented by Republican state Legislators who have endorsed Senator Austria’s candidacy. In 2006, Congressman Dave Hobson, who has strongly endorsed Senator Austria’s election, won his final term in office with 61% of the vote and President Bush received 57% of the vote in 2004.

“Constituents in the 7th District clearly have not bought the tall tales that the Neuhardt campaign is selling. Voters are looking for fresh ideas and experienced leadership- not a liberal attorney from Yellow Springs,” said Ken Spain, NRCC spokesman.