The Democratic and Republican candidates for governor have filed their final fundraising reports before the May primary. And Republican Mike DeWine is far out in front.
DeWine raised $1.7 million, with Democrat Richard Cordray right behind at $1.4 million. Both spent more than they raised since January, as did Republican Mary Taylor, who brought in just over $410,000.
DeWine and Taylor spent almost $10 million combined since December in their bitter fight for the Republican governor nomination, with Taylor spending slightly more. The two have been trading nasty attack ads on Ohio's airwaves, as Taylor uses the "DC DeWine" label to tie the former U.S. Senator to Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
DeWine answered Taylor's attacks with ads that accuse her of telling lies and being unqualified for office.
Meanwhile, Cordray spent $1.72 million, far more than his main Democratic opponent Dennis Kucinich, who raised almost $600,000 and spent $317,000.
State Sen. Joe Schiavoni and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill raised $87,000 and $68,000, respectively.
As for cash on hand, DeWine has $7.4 million, more than three times Taylor’s total. Cordray has $1.6 million in the bank. Taylor and her running mate Nathan Estruth have loaned their campaign $3.25 million, and repaid about $3 million so far.
