Renacci out-fundraises Boccieri in second quarter of the year

ASHLAND — Jim Renacci, Republican challenger in the 16th District U.S. House of Representatives race, raised more money than incumbent Democrat John Boccieri in the second quarter of 2010.

According to information filed with the Federal Elections Commission, Renacci, former Wadsworth mayor and business owner, raised $637,469 in the quarter compared to Boccieri’s $271,908. Renacci’s quarter was assisted by a $200,000 loan he gave the campaign.

It was the first reporting period where the two candidates squared off one-on-one. James Slepian, Renacci’s campaign manager, said the campaign is very pleased with the finance numbers.

“I think the (numbers) are both a testament to the momentum of Jim Renacci’s campaign but also an indictment of John Boccieri’s failed record in Washington,” he said, adding Renacci has outraised Boccieri since he declared his candidacy last summer.

Boccieri, the first-term incumbent from Alliance, has $1.06 million in his campaign coffers. Renacci had $662,612 on hand at the end of June. He spent more than $800,000 for the May primary against former Ashland County Commissioner Matt Miller.

Boccieri raised $99,899 from individuals and $163,588 from donors. Renacci raised $375,502 from individual donors and $92,450 from groups such as SarahPAC — a political action committee created by 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin that contributed $3,500 to the campaign.

The race could garner state and national attention due to its potential importance in the balance of power in Washington.

The 16th District covers central and southern Ashland County, along with parts of Medina and all of Stark and Wayne counties. Before Boccieri’s 2008 victory, the district was a Republican stronghold that former Congressman Ralph Regula of Canton held from 1972 to 2008.

Click here to read the full story.