Republican candidate John Shannon added $4,700 from July 5-18 in his race for House District 40.
However, during the same time, Shannon’s GOP primary opponent Colleen Burton took the lead in fundraising, according to the state Division of Elections website.
Burton, the well-known former executive director for activist group Polk Vision, raised $9,745 in the same two-week reporting period — for a total of $133,870. With $54,108 spent to date, Burton now has $79,762 on hand.
Lakeland attorney and Marine Corps veteran Shannon, mounting an aggressive advertising campaign, has raised a total of $97,610. After spending $65,110 so far — including recent large media buys — Shannon has cash on hand of $32,500.
Shannon and Burton looking to replace term-limited Rep. Seth McKeel for the Republican-leaning seat covering metropolitan Lakeland and much of Polk County. The winner of the August 26 GOP primary will face Democrat Ricky Shirah and American Independent Party candidate Franklin Shoemaker.
Shoemaker raised $151 in the reporting period, giving him a total of $946, with $346 on hand.
