Lehman reports $68,440 in his campaign chest;Wanggaard has $32,882 in contributions

Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine, today reported having $68,440 on hand for his upcoming re-election campaign, in a report submitted to the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. The report is due today; so far we have not seen one from Lehman's opponent, County Supervisor Van Wanggaard's is below..

Lehman reported 549 donors contributed an average of $61 each between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. He raised $36,583 and spent $3540 during the six months.

Lehman said, “The campaign fundraising is far ahead of where I was four years ago when I defeated County Executive Bill McReynolds. And, with the continued support of friends and neighbors, we’re on track to have the resources to run a strong race again in 2010.” At this point in the 2006 campaign cycle, Lehman said he had roughly $50,000 in the bank, eventually raising and spending about $220,000. McReynolds, raised and spent over $400,000.

“We proved in the past and are prepared to prove it again in 2010 -- a strong grassroots campaign, a proven record of standing up for the middle class, working families, kids and seniors of Racine County and the resources to get our message out can beat big spending Republicans and the special interests,” Lehman said.

UPDATE, 2/1: We found Van Wanggaard's filing online tonight. It reports total contributions of $32,882 and expenditures of $6,587.

In a press release Tuesday, Van Wanggaard reported raising more money in the Senate District than his opponent:

Wanggaard raised $31,382 overall during the last reporting period, while Lehman, with a three-year head start, raised $36,583. More importantly, Wanggaard raised roughly $23,000 in the 21st Senate District, while his opponent only collected around $16,000 from those he represents in Madison. Wanggaard also had more individual donors from the district than Lehman, a sign that his campaign’s grassroots operation is far outpacing the incumbent’s.

Wanggaard touted the fact that 87% of his contributions came from Racine County,
and 91% of his contributors donated $100 or less:

“I am humbled and encouraged that the hard-working men and women of Racine County are digging deep to donate to my campaign. At a time when individuals, families, and small business owners are struggling to make ends meet, those who want to bring fiscal sanity back to state government are offering what they can to support my candidacy.

“I know how tight family budgets are right now, which is why with every contribution that comes my way, I am reminded of the fact that I am running to serve the people of Racine County, and not to serve the powerful special interests that so often control my opponent’s agenda...Senator Lehman played a direct role in shaping last year’s state budget which raised taxes on families and businesses by $5 billion, implemented the “felon early release program,” and jacked up property taxes and auto insurance rates to unprecedented levels."

Other reports filed Monday include:

• Rep. Robert Turner, D-Racine, 61st District: $36,928 in total receipts; $42,053 in disbursements; a loan of $5,000..
• Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, 62nd District: $28,203 in total receipts; $16,852 disbursements.
• Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, 63rd District: $52,566 in total receipts; $19,700 disbursements.