8th District candidates report finances

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN - The latest financial reports by Republican candidates vying to unseat Congressman Steve Kagen are out.

The 8th District candidates include former State Representative Terri McCormick, State Representative Roger Roth, and business owner Reid Ribble.

From July 1 to August 25, Ribble raised $57,627, and spent $212,557.

His cash on hand, $70,833, is the most among the candidates.

“It gives you power with which to get up on television, to do radio and other forms of media. As I measure against my primary opponents, because of the financial resources, I can do more things,” said Ribble.

Roger Roth, reported raising $31,396, and spending $57,233. His cash on hand totals $61,818.

“Just about every dollar we spend is actually to target and reach voters to get our message out and I think that's very important. So I'm happy with what we've done this far,” said Roth.

Terri McCormick raised $44,443, and spent $115,051. But she reported just $1,611 on hand.

“We made a number of strong buys in different media outlets. That required us to spend down our money, and we had to make those buys ahead of time. So everything you're seeing is definitely coordinated. We're very excited about our position,” said campaign spokesman Sean Casper.

But the primary election is just the first battle to winning a seat in the House.

Incumbent Democrat Steve Kagen holds a big cash edge.

Kagen reported raising $106,249, spending $127,975 and has $777,232 on hand.

“They're going to be in a difficult position because they're going to have spent all their resources and they're going to have to start from scratch on September 15th,” said Republican strategist Mark Graul.

However, Graul added the nominee will have a couple of advantages.

“Number one, they will have come through a hard fought, close election and that gives you momentum,” said Graul.

Voters head to the polls for the primary on September 14th.