Candidates Harvest Cash In The Heartland

SEBRING - The election season started early for presidential candidates, but it's also revving up in Highlands County.

Although she has no announced opponent yet, Denise Grimsley has already raised $22,535 for her third term in the Florida House of Representatives. In the 2006 election cycle, she raised $225,000.
None of the incumbents for county or school offices have filed for re-election, but Sheriff Susan Benton, a Democrat, has already drawn Republican competition, Ronald Grimming of Lake Placid.

Grimming commanded the Florida Highway Patrol and was the deputy director of the Illinois State Police.

The race for Congress began shortly after Tim Mahoney claimed victory. He's drawn three GOP opponents who have raised at least $300,000 each, even though they're still 13 months from election day.

The presidential candidates are also trolling for donations. Mitt Romney's son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Mary Romney, motored to downtown Sebring a month ago in the MittMobile, and picked up $162 in support from his host, Marvin Kahn.

Georgia Steiger has given to three campaigns: Bill Richardson, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
"All of the Democrats seem to be able, and I like them all - Dodd, Biden," said Steiger, 88, who is still active in the Highlands County party. "I do it because I can afford to, and I want to encourage them. I also give to Common Cause, because I think that's the way elections ought to be financed."

Election campaigns have gotten far too expensive, Steiger said. She's given to Mahoney, who she's only met by telephone.

Mahoney has raised $1.3 million through the Sept. 30 filing deadline. His three Republican opponents are Gayle Harrell, $337,584; Thomas Joseph Rooney, $428,818; and Hal Valeche, $344,933. Combined, the three have raised $1.1 million.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley still has $334,288 in his account, which can be used for legal expenses and other costs of closing out his political career. He resigned last year after the page boy scandal.

Presidential Candidates

Combined, the 20 Democrats and Republicans have raised $19 million in the Sunshine State. Florida's top fundraiser: Hillary Clinton, who has taken in $4.8 million.

Rudy Giuliani is second with $3.5 million. Obama and Romney have topped $2.8 million and $2.6 million respectively; John McCain and John Edwards are the only other candidates who have raised more than $1 million here.

Presidential candidates have raised almost $100,000 in the Heartland. Here is a list of candidates and how much they've gathered in the 338XX ZIP code.