Republican who wins District 4 County Commission race will have to reload fast

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All of the three frontrunners in the Pinellas County District 4 race  would be at a funding disadvantage in the general election.

The top fundraiser in the Republican primary, Johnny Johnson, brought in more than $120,000, but he’s spent most of it. If he wins the primary, Johnson will start his campaign against Democrat Mark Weinkrantz and two NPAs with only $8,805.11 in the bank.

“I have a strong support base, I don’t see that as a problem,” Johnson said.

Former State Representative Peter Nehr  raked in $67,250, but only has $7,533.65 left.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers would fare the best in a funding battle with Weinkrantz. Eggers only raised $41,895, but has managed to hold onto more than $14,000 of it.

Weinkrantz has about $15,000 left. He raised a total of $28,016.74.

Carl Folkman, an NPA candidate will start this next phase of campaigning with about $6,000. Marcus Harrison has less than $1,000 left in his campaign.

Janelle Irwin has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in the Tampa Bay area since 2003. She also hosts a weekly political talk show on WMNF Community radio. Janelle formerly served as the sole staff reporter for WMNF News and previously covered news for Patch.com and various local neighborhood newsletters. Her work has been featured in the New York Daily News, Free Speech Radio News and Florida Public Radio and she's been interviewed by radio stations across the nation for her coverage of the 2012 Republican National Convention. Janelle is a diehard news junkie who isn't afraid to take on big names in local politics including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the dirty business of trash and recycling in St. Pete and the ongoing Pier debacle. Her work as a reporter and radio host has earned her two WMNF awards including News Volunteer of the Year and Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year. Janelle is also the devoted mother to three brilliant and beautiful daughters who are a constant source of inspiration and occasional blogging fodder. To contact, email [email protected].