Womack raises $150,000 in 3rd District race (Updated)

Rogers Mayor Steve Womack is crowing about his fundraising success, but with the primary election just a little more than five weeks away it remains uncertain whether money will result in a 3rd Congressional District victory.

It’s anticipated that the crowded GOP field for the 3rd District will result in a runoff between State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe, R-Rogers, Fort Smith attorney Gunner DeLay and Womack. The GOP primary ended the filing season with eight candidates after U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, abandoned his bid for re-election to enter the GOP primary race for a chance to unseat U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.

Other contenders in the GOP primary are Steve Lowry of Springdale, Kurt Maddox of Gravette, Doug Matayo of Springdale, Boone County Judge Mike Moore, and Bernard Skoch of Elkins. Fayetteville attorney David Whitaker is the only Democrat seeking the 3rd District seat.

Womack on Monday (April 5) said his campaign has collected more than $150,000 in contributions. Womack announced March 19 that his campaign had collected more than $100,000.

“I am humbled and encouraged by the outpouring of support for my campaign,” Womack said in a statement. “I am blessed to have volunteers and supporters who believe in my ability to effectively represent the Third District and help take our country back to its basics where we allow our citizens to make choices for themselves, not the federal government.”

Messages left with the Bledsoe and DeLay campaigns were not returned as of the posting of this report.

Roby Brock, political analyst/reporter at TalkBusiness.net, former state Senate candidate and former head of the Arkansas Election Commission, said Womack may be ahead in the fundraising fight.

“Womack’s $150,000 is a respectable total for the quarter, but it’s going to take much more than this to separate from the field,” Brock told The City Wire. “If any candidates choose to self-fund, they could become very competitive quickly by adding this much or close to this much from their personal funds. Still, my sense is that he is doing among the best in fundraising in the district so far.”

The Arkansas Election Line reported March 18 that the GOP primary is a “toss up” between Bledsoe, DeLay and Womack. However, the Arkansas Election Line said the 3rd Congressional District is “Safe Republican” for the November general election.

Financial reports of candidates for federal office will be available for public review no later than April 15 — which will be the last required financial filing deadline for federal candidates prior to the primary.