Tenn. race could get expensive and Florida GOP candidate moves up fundraising ladder

Republican House candidate Stephen Fincher hauled in more than $300,000 this quarter, which brings him to more than $1 million raised for his bid to win Tennessee’s open 8th district, his campaign said Tuesday.

Fincher’s camp was also quick to point out that the farmer and gospel singer from Frog Jump has raised close to $300,000 for three quarters in a row and has not self-funded. He now has some $820,000 cash on hand.

Meanwhile, businessman Roy Herron (D) will report more than $1 million cash on hand after raising close to $500,000 in the last quarter, according to his campaign. Herron’s warchest will likely stay flush longer than Fincher’s because he doesn’t face a competitive primary. ?

Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.) spent more than $900,000 running unopposed last cycle. Tanner announced in December he wouldn’t seek a 12th term.

Turning to another leading prospect for the National Republican Congressional Committee, state Rep. David Rivera (R) raised more than $700,000 in the first six weeks of his bid to represent Florida’s 25th district. As a result, the NRCC announced Tuesday that Rivera was now considered to be “On the Radar,” a stage in its Young Guns program.

Rivera will have to survive a crowded primary in the race for the open seat.