Oklahoma Campaigns A Growth Industry

Political campaigns in Oklahoma are a growth industry, with candidates having raised $33.3 million thus far in the 2005-2006 election cycle. The figure includes $25.6 million raised by candidates for state offices and $7,740,209 raised through mid-summer by congressional candidates.

The total thus far almost certainly is a record and it's about 75 percent of the total the money-watchers expect will be recorded when the elections are over.

The congressional campaign figures come from Open Secrets, a Washington-based entity that monitors spending in campaigns for federal office.

The new figures show Republican congressional candidates in the state have raised $4,979,575 compared to just $1,415,819 for Democrats. Of the $7,749,209 total, itemized receipts account for $6,411,104, meaning the balance came in small, non-reportable sums.

Share |