The Republican candidates in Orlando’s marquee state House races continued to swamp their Democratic opponents in the latest fundraising period.
Leading the herd once again was Rep. Chris Dorworth, the powerful Lake Mary Republican tentatively in line to become House speaker if he is re-elected this year and again in 2014. He raised $68,000 during the two week period for his campaign in Seminole County’s House District 29. Dorworth spent just $5,000 during the period, although a separate political committee he is involved with has spent $89,000 on television advertising this month alone.
His Democratic opponent, former Longwood firefighter Mike Clelland, continued to struggle to raise money without the help of deep-pocketed and traditionally Democratic-leaning trial lawyers. He raised $8,000 for the period, though he spent $16,000 – including $14,000 on his first mail piece.
Dorworth has now raised $457,000 overall, making him the most lucrative House fundraiser in the state, and has spent $333,000. Clelland, who is banking on a strong ground game from firefighters and other union supporters, has raised $61,000 total and spent $32,000.
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