Stivers ahead of Kilroy in 2Q fundraising

State Sen. Steve Stivers: Politicker PhotoCandidate for the 15th Congressional District and State Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus) outraised opponent Mary Jo Kilroy in second quarter fundraising, bringing in $430,000 for the period to Kilroy’s $370,000.

Since Stivers has entered the congressional race last November, he has outraised Kilroy to date by $116,000, the Stivers campaign said.

However, Stivers ends the period with $879,753 cash on hand, less than Kilroy’s $1.16 million.

Stivers campaign manager Mike Hartley said this is attributable to Stivers’ later entry into the race.

“First she had 11 months head start. Secondly, since Steve’s got in the race we’ve steadily closed the cash on hand gap and we will work hard to continue that trend,” Hartley said.

Hartley said his confidence comes from Stivers proven record as a fundraiser and his support from in the district.

“Steve has a tradition of being a strong fundraiser in the Ohio Senate and he is continuing it in his race for Congress. He is also known as one of the hardest working legislators in Ohio and he is one of the hardest working candidates by not only raising money but also knocking on the doors of the voters of the 15th District.”

Kilroy communications director Brad Bauman said Stivers' money is mostly from special-interest groups and that Kilroy's is from regular donors.

"Banking lobbyist Steve Stivers hasn't even caught up to where we were in April and his excessive contributions from special interests do not sit well with the people of Central Ohio. Meanwhile, Mary Jo has underscored the need for change in Washington and Ohio families have responded. That is why she's received over 5,000 individual contributions."

ALSO on PolitickerOH.com:

• Kilroy raises $370K in 2Q, $1.1M in cash