WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, the Republican trying to unseat U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, raised nearly $1 million in the first two weeks of October -- twice as much as the two-term Democrat.
With the Nov. 4 election less than two weeks away, Cotton's campaign had nearly five times as much money in reserves as his opponent.
The Dardanelle challenger started the reporting period with $2.9 million. He raised $985,592, spent $2 million and had $1.8 million left for the final weeks of the campaign.
The Little Rock incumbent started the reporting period with slightly more than $1 million. He raised $478,883 and spent $1.49 million. He had $364,654 left.
Cotton said in a statement that he appreciates the support.
"I'm grateful to all our supporters who've given so much of their time, energy, and resources to help us bring conservative change to the U.S. Senate," he said.
In an emailed statement, the Pryor campaign also expressed gratitude.
"While Congressman Cotton relies on out-of-state billionaires to bankroll his blind ambition for higher office, Mark is humbled by the generosity of everyday Arkansans supporting his candidacy," said deputy campaign manager Erik Dorey.
Thursday was the deadline to file pre-election campaign finance reports. Senate candidates file their reports with the secretary of the Senate. House candidates file directly to the Federal Election Commission. The reports cover Oct. 1 to Oct. 15 and are the last comprehensive reports candidates file before the election.
Between Oct. 16 and Election Day, campaigns must report all contributions of $1,000 or more within 48 hours.
The U.S. Senate race is the most expensive in Arkansas' history. Money has poured into the House races, as well.
In the 2nd District race to replace U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, French Hill, a Republican from Little Rock, began the reporting period with $506,504. He raised $85,376 and spent $494,009. He had $97,870 left.
Patrick Hays, a Democrat from North Little Rock, started with $354,314. He raised $69,936 and spent $239,120. He had $185,130 left.
Democrat James Lee Witt and Republican Bruce Westerman are competing to replace Cotton in the 4th District.
Witt, of Dardanelle, started the reporting period with $303,745. He raised $24,656 and spent $148,874. He had $179,658 remaining.
Westerman, of Hot Springs,started with $174,778. He reported raising $85,850 and spending $107,171. He had $153,457 left.
In the 1st District race, U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, a Republican from Jonesboro, began the month with $509,218. He raised $21,471 and spent $14,588. He had $516,102 left.
Democrat Jackie McPherson, a Democrat from Heber Springs, started with $39,550. He raised $37,001, spent $28,448 and had $48,103 left.
For the 3rd District, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, a Republican from Rogers, started October with $805,480. He raised $45,485 and spent $25,442. He had $825,522 left.
Reports were not available for the Libertarian congressional candidates: Brian Scott Willhite of Cabot (1st District), Debbie Standiford of North Little Rock (2nd District), Grant Brand of Pea Ridge (3rd District) and Ken Hamilton of El Dorado (4th District).
Also, reports were not available for U.S. Senate candidates Nathan LaFrance, a Libertarian from Bella Vista, and Mark Swaney, a Green Party candidate from Huntsville.
Candidates are required to file with the Federal Election Commission once they have raised or spent $5,000.
Metro on 10/24/2014