Dan Barrett Bests Mark Shelton in Fundraising

by: Todd Hill

Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 03:06 PM CDT

Dan Barrett had this to say about his report:

"I am truly humbled by the tremendous support my campaign has received, but especially humbled by the people from within the District who have contributed to my campaign in these tough economic times," stated Barrett.

Barrett's opponent reported having raised $119,569, spending $55,693, and retaining $86,669 cash on hand.  When you discount Shelton's personal loan of $48,541 he has $38,128 in real donations to his campaign. That leaves Barrett with a $75,421 cash on hand advantage in the final stretch toward November 4th in the race that Capitol Inside recently ranked as the #1 State House race in Texas.    

Shelton, on the other hand, continues to demonstrate that special interests are kept close to his heart.  Among other donors, Tom Craddick's TexPAC donated $10k, matched by the infamous Bob Perry with his own $10k.  With the current energy crisis we have on our hands it is interesting to note the $5k from the Oil & Gas PAC too.  There is certainly more to come from this group who donated more than $150K to Shelton in his primary race.  Looks like Shelton has laid his political life at the feet of the traditional Craddick/Perry/special interest slot machines.

Barrett's campaign continues its push toward Election Day by communicating with voters about Dan's plan to address escalating utility and insurance rates while changing the way business is done in Austin.