Ga.'s Isakson doubles rival in funds
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Contributions poured in to Georgia's Senate campaigns from July through September, with Republican Johnny Isakson reporting $1.7 million in new receipts -- more than double the total of Democratic rival Denise Majette.
The most recent report by the Federal Election Commission indicates both candidates should have plenty of money to get their last-minute messages out, but Isakson maintains a clear financial edge.
According to the GOP congressman's campaign, Isakson had $1.4 million left in his campaign coffers Sept. 30 after raising $1.7 million and spending $1.3 million during the previous three months.
As of Tuesday, the FEC hadn't received Isakson's quarterly report, but campaign spokesman Chris Carr said it was postmarked by Friday's deadline.
"We're pleased with the support we've received from so many Georgians," Carr said. "We're taking nothing for granted and are going to be working hard right through election day."
Majette's war chest stood at $594,963 after her campaign spent $442,232 of the $772,025 it received during the period. The first-term Democratic congresswoman is leaving an Atlanta district where she was considered a near shoo-in for re-election to run for Senate.
Majette's campaign didn't return calls by The Associated Press on Tuesday seeking comment.
Both campaigns relied far more heavily on individual contributions -- capped at $2,000 per person for an election cycle -- than contributions from national parties and political action committees.
The records show Isakson spent more heavily in the heat of his GOP primary race, $3.5 million from April through June. He avoided a runoff against two other well-financed Republicans, Rep. Mac Collins and businessman Herman Cain.
Majette needed a runoff to defeat entrepreneur Cliff Oxford for the Democratic nomination.
The race to succeed Democratic Sen. Zell Miller, who is retiring, appears to be one of the Republican Party's best national opportunities to gain a seat.
