159th district: Wright retains fundraising lead; Burlison loans his campaign cash

Incumbent state Rep. Billy Pat Wright raised $15,570, including $2,050 from fellow Republican lawmakers, and former U.S. Rep. Bill Burlison added $10,000 from his own funds to his campaign account as the two contenders move toward a November rematch.

In a report covering the period April 1 through June 30, Wright, R-Dexter, also said he collected $2,975 from political action committees. Wright has raised a total of $45,765 for his campaign for a fourth and final term in the Missouri House from the 159th District. Wright reported spending $12,175 during the quarter and having $20,004 on hand as of July 1.

Burlison, a Democrat who represented Southeast Missouri in the U.S. House from 1969 to 1981, is making his second bid for the 159th District seat, which covers most of Stoddard County and southwestern Cape Girardeau County. With the new $10,000 loan to his campaign, Burlison has put a total of $35,200 into the race. Burlison reported spending $10,481 on the campaign and having $9,788 in the bank as of July 1.

Bill Burlison

Neither candidate faces an opponent in the Aug. 3 primary.

In their 2008 contest, Wright defeated Burlison soundly, taking 61.8 percent of the vote.

For more information, check back at semissourian.com or read Friday's Southeast Missourian.