Fundraising reports released for GOP, Democratic candidates in 8th District

The Federal Election Commission has released the first official fundraising reports for candidates running for Missouri's 8th Congressional District.

April quarterly reports cover contributions made to candidates' campaigns from Jan. 1 to March 31.

Jason Smith, the Republican candidate for the June 4 special election, raised $309,606 during the period. Of the total, $167,506 was contributed by individual donors. Political action committees and candidate committees contributed $139,639. One contribution of $2,450 is displayed as a party contribution.

Smith is shown to have spent nearly $70,000 so far, leaving over $240,000 in hand.

Democratic candidate Steve Hodges raised $120,773 during the period, of which $105,473 was from individuals. Political action committees are shown in the report to contribute the remaining $15,300. Hodges' campaign has so far spent $4,333.

No fundraising reports for Libertarian Bill Slantz and Constitution Party candidate Doug Enyart are posted on the FEC website.

The following political action committees contributed $5,000 to Smith, which is the maximum allowable contribution: the American Bankers Association PAC; the American Dental Association PAC; the American Medical Association PAC; Continuing A Majority Party Action Committee; Every Republican Is Crucial Eric PAC; Express Scripts Inc. Political Action Committee; Majority Committee PAC; Missouri Farm Bureau FARM PAC; National Association of Realtors Political Action Committee; National Rural Electric Cooperative Associations Action Committee for Rural Electrification PAC; Rely On Your Beliefs Fund PAC; and The Freedom Project PAC. Individual contributions to Smith ranged from $5 up to the maximum allowable for an individual, $2,600. Many committees for Republicans elected to represent Missouri in Congress, the Missouri House of Representatives and state Senate also supported Smith.

Hodges received several contributions of $1,000 or more from Democratic clubs and $2,500 contributions from the Missourians For Accountability & Change PAC and SEMO Democrat Rally Committee PAC that are included in the portion of funds raised from committees.