/ KVUE News Team

Big money pours into political races

06:51 PM CDT on Monday, August 2, 2004

By Lee McGuire / KVUE News

Big money is pouring into some local political races as some well-funded Democrats try to unseat incumbent Republicans.

In the last election, the Republicans were the ones with the deep pockets. They won enough seats to take over the Texas Legislature.

This year some Democrats' financial reports indicate that party is fighting back.

Democrat Mark Strama is running his first political campaign. The former legislative assistant and Internet activist is building a name of his own as he tries to win a seat representing District 50.

"The last Legislature spent all of its time on the wrong priorities and didn't care about the things that mattered to the people of Texas," claims Strama.

His opponent is Republican incumbent Jack Stick.

"It's been a lot of hard work the last two years, and I'm excited about the prospect of serving another term," says Stick.

But Stick has a fight on his hands.

According to financial reports, Stick has raised a little over $121,000 for the November race... but Strama is raising money much faster. So far, he's collected more than $225,000.

Each candidate is critical of where the other candidate's money is coming from.

"My opponent's money comes almost entirely from political action groups and lobbyists and committees," claims Strama.

"Well you know he's been raising money in New York City, in Washington, in Los Angeles, from the liberal establishment that he spent most of the last eight years spending time with," counters Stick.

The election is November 2.