Owens had $240K at year's end for 23rd campaign
Rep. William L. Owens had $240,750 on hand at year's end for his re-election bid in the 23rd Congressional District, according to a report filed Sunday with the Federal Elections Commission.
Mr. Owens' tally was on par with Republican Douglas L. Hoffman, who challenged the Plattsburgh Democrat for the open seat during last fall's special election. The Lake Placid accountant has $226,338. Watertown businessman Matthew A. Doheny, who will likely face Mr. Hoffman and potentially others in a Republican primary, had $336,844 at year's end.
Mr. Owens reported $182,758.41 in debts. House Democratic leaders have enrolled the newcomer into their Frontline program, which provides financial and logistical support for 42 members who face formidable opposition in the fall.
Mr. Owens reported the lowest balance of the Frontline program members, according to CQ Politics.
Mr. Owens' recent support has come primarily from political action committees and other congressional candidates' campaigns. He reported $136,267 in contributions for the Nov. 23 to Dec. 31 period, with $90,700 coming from PACs and other House Democrats.
His contributors included Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Judy Chu, both D-Calif.; Steve Israel, D-Huntington, Nita Lowey, D-White Plains; Debbie Wasserman Shultz, D-Fla., Steny Hoyer and Elijah E. Cummings, both D-Md., and Bill Delahunt, D-Mass.
Notable individual contributions included $1,000 from Dan French, a LaFargeville native and former U.S. Attorney who flirted with the idea of seeking the Democrats' nomination for the seat last summer. Mr. French's Syracuse-based company donated an additional $1,000.
Lorne Michaels, the creator and producer of "Saturday Night Live," gave $250 on Nov. 30.
Mr. Owens' primary expense this period was paying off his debt to Murphy Putnam Media, Alexandria, Va., who produced his television ads and bought airtime. He paid $56,390.46 this period. The congressman owes an additional $146,266.34 to the company, according to the report.
