WASHINGTON -- Members of Arkansas' U.S. House delegation are keeping their campaign coffers full, with a year and a half to go before the next general election, according to Federal Election Commission reports that were due Wednesday.
The four Republican incumbents, at this point, face no primary challengers; no Democrats publicly have announced plans to run, although some are weighing a challenge.
Gary Wekkin, a political science professor at the University of Central Arkansas, said raising money before the election is strategic.
"By raising a lot of money now, you are pre-empting potential challengers," he said.
There have been a lot of contentious issues in the news recently, Wekkin said, including big wins on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and gay marriage for Democrats on the national stage, and candidates have to raise money off of those issues while they can.
"Lots of fundraising is hot-button inspired. When somebody's hot button is pushed, that's the time to ask them for money and for support," he said.
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers had $923,857 on hand June 30, the largest amount of the delegation. Womack reported raising $118,375 in the quarter and spending $48,911. Womack faced no Democratic challenger in 2012 and 2014, receiving more than 75 percent of the vote both times.
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro reported raising $127,453 and spending $41,809. He had $429,055 left.
The newest members of the delegation brought in big numbers as well.
U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock reported raising $287,470 and spending $34,137. He had $374,879 in the bank. Former Little Rock School Board member Dianne Curry has said she is considering running for the 2nd Congressional District seat as a Democrat, but she hasn't made a decision public.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs reported $161,029 in the bank June 30. He raised $97,450 and spent $26,460 in the quarter.
Metro on 07/16/2015