In the increasingly combative battle for Lakeland’s House District 40 GOP primary, Colleen Burton continues her lead in the money race, by adding another $10,050 between July 26 and Aug. 1.
Burton’s fundraising effort was nearly double that of John Shannon, who took in $5,150 in the same weeklong reporting period, according to newly filed Division of Elections reports.
Burton, a former executive director for Polk Vision, raised a total of $150,870 in the race to replace term-limited Rep. Seth McKeel for the Republican-leaning seat covering metropolitan Lakeland and much of Polk County. With a major advertising buy, including $26,000 to Maryland-based Mentzer Media Services Towson, Burton spent $40,915, for $100,768 spent to date. It leaves her with $50,102 on hand.
A Lakeland attorney and Marine Corps veteran, Shannon now brings his total to $104,060. He had spent $8,547 during the week, mostly to Strategic Management for print and other media buys. So far, Shannon’s expenditures are $84,183, bringing him to $19,877 cash on hand.
The winner of the August 26 GOP primary will face Democrat Ricky Shirah and American Independent Party candidate Franklin Shoemaker. Neither candidate reported any donations during the reporting period.
