Rooney outdistancing Craft in Congressional race

In the 16th District money race for the U.S. House of Representatives, Chris Craft already has fallen far behind incumbent Tom Rooney.

Craft, a St. Lucie County commissioner since 2004, reported collecting $61,000 last week. He has spent $9,500, and has $51,500 cash on hand.

Rooney, a Tequesta attorney, reported $446,000 to the Federal Election Commission. Rooney has spent $194,000, and has $270,000 cash on hand. His campaign shows $20,000 in debt through the reporting period, which ended on Sept. 30.

Ironically, the leader in the money race is actually Mark Foley, according to the FEC summary. The former congressman received $10,831, spent $23,151, and still has $1.19 million cash on hand in the latest quarter. Foley is not in the 2010 race.

Foley, a Republican from Stuart, dropped out of the 2006 race after it was learned he sent e-mails to teenaged House pages. Tim Mahoney of Palm Beach Gardens was elected, lost the same seat to Rooney in 2008 after the married Democrat confessed to having affairs.

Two of Rooney's GOP primary opponents, Gayle Harrell and Hal Valeche, are also carrying debt: $22,000 for Harrell and $682,000 for Valeche.

Craft worked as a market manager for Coca-Cola from 1994 to 2004. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Lakewood Park with their 11-year-old daughter, Sydni.

Florida's 16th Congressional District is comprised of all or parts of Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties.