Sullivan closes money gap with Dodd

<br>TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Republican John Sullivan has closed the money gap with Democrat Doug Dodd in the First Congressional District race, election records show. <br><br>On Tuesday, voters will elect

Wednesday, January 2nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Republican John Sullivan has closed the money gap with Democrat Doug Dodd in the First Congressional District race, election records show.

On Tuesday, voters will elect the successor to U.S. Rep. Steve Largent, who is resigning to run for governor.

After the primary elections, Dodd ended up with a cash advantage of $119,555 in the bank, compared to Sullivan's $7,768. Since then, Sullivan has picked up the pace.

His total has jumped to $141,5000, most of that coming from special-interest political campaign committees, other Republican officials and the GOP.

For the period ending Dec. 19, Sullivan reported raising $69,495, compared to Dodd's $65,674, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

Dodd has added $30,000 to that amount since Dec. 19.

Independent Neil Mavis reported $8,984 in contributions, including a $1,000 donation and a $7,500 loan from himself.

Independent David Fares did not file an FEC report, which is not required from candidates who spend or raise less than $5,000.

During the primary race, Sullivan criticized his opponent first lady Cathy Keating, who used her national connections to raise money.

But Sullivan's 48-hour reports _ required by the FEC on all donations of $1,000 or more _ show most of his major contributions have come from outside of Oklahoma.

Dodd's 48-hour reports show he has received contributions from labor PACs such as the United Auto Workers and the Ironworkers. The reports also show he has received $18,000 from within Oklahoma, compared with $12,000 from outside the state.

FEC records show Sullivan received $8,000 from seven Republicans in Congress, including a $2,000 contribution from Largent's campaign.

He also received $5,000 from the Republican National Committee and $4,500 from the National Republican Congressional Committee, records show.

Dodd's reports show neither the Democratic National Committee nor the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has contributed to his campaign.

Dodd reported receiving $500 from the 2nd Congressional District Democratic Party, $500 from the Creek County Democratic Party and $5,000 from the Democratic Party of Oklahoma.

Rep. Brad Carson, the lone Democrat in the state delegation, contributed $2,000 to Dodd's campaign.