Credit: NewtownPANow.com
The race for donations in the Eighth District Congressional election is going strong.
Democratic candidate Steve Santarsiero, a current state representative from Lower Makefield, brought in just under $485,000 between April 7 and June, according to federal campaign finance records.
His Republican opponent, Brian Fitzpatrick, a retired FBI agent from Middletown, hauled in $495,692 in the same time period, a press release from the campaign said.
Fitzpatrick’s campaign stated they have $690,000 on hand, while Santarsiero’s campaign has $391,400 in the bank. This year, both candidates have brought in about $1 million to fuel their campaigns, according to the campaigns and federal election finance records.
The cash on hand will come into play as the election gets closer and the campaigns ramp up their spending to try to win the district. Between staff, consulting, polling and advertising, campaign money doesn’t stay in the bank for long after August.
“Our grassroots donors are the engine of our campaign,” Santarsiero said in a press release. “I’m proud of our supporters who have been working around the clock to help us restore reason to Congress.”
Fitzpatrick stated the following: “I continued to be overwhelmed by the encouragement and support of my friends and neighbors across Bucks and Montgomery counties who are fueling this grassroots campaign. It is empowering to see our positive, solutions-oriented message is resonating with voters of every party and in every part of the district.”
Top county Democrats have long noted Santarsiero’s skills as a fundraiser and as someone they believe can connect with people from across the district, which covers all of Bucks County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Fitzpatrick, whose brother is the sitting congressman, came into the race months after Santarsiero and had quickly gained the support of the county party.
