Bond, Farmer report their 2003 money-raising totals

WASHINGTON -- Republican Sen. Kit Bond raised $634,702 for his re-election as last year drew to a close, while his Democratic challenger, state Treasurer Nancy Farmer, collected $506,693, their campaigns said Friday. Their money-raising totals from October through December are contained in reports they will submit to the Federal Election Commission. In all, Bond has raised $5.7 million and Farmer has raised $934,895. Bond retained his advantage in cash on hand, reporting $4.3 million in his campaign account to Farmer's $609,448.

On Sept. 30, the close of the previous reporting period, Bond's cash on hand was $4 million, while Farmer's was $383,650.

Both campaigns said 2003 was a good money-raising year.

Bond aide Jason Van Eaton said, "The record level of donations from Democrats and Republicans, from labor and business and from people in every county in the state are great examples of the broad base of support Sen. Bond continues to receive here in Missouri."

Farmer spokesman Safir Ahmed said, "The fund-raising momentum is building quite well; we're meeting all our goals both in fund-raising and the campaign itself."

Farmer's fund-raising report is still being finalized; her campaign provided the unofficial numbers.

Bond, a former two-term Missouri governor, is seeking a fourth Senate term.

Farmer, who entered the race last July, won election as state treasurer in 2000. She was appointed deputy treasurer in 1997 and served in the state House before that.

Missouri will be an election battleground this year from the presidential race on down the ballot. Rep. Dick Gephardt's exit from the presidential race on Tuesday means that his former rivals are now competing to win Missouri's Feb. 3 primary.

The party's nominee faces a strong presence from President Bush, who won Missouri in 2000 and since then has visited the state 14 times.