Largent top fund-raiser among governor candidates

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Republican Steve Largent of Tulsa is the leading fund-raiser in the 2002 governor's race, according to campaign reports filed Wednesday. <br><br>Largent, the former congressman

Thursday, August 1st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Republican Steve Largent of Tulsa is the leading fund-raiser in the 2002 governor's race, according to campaign reports filed Wednesday.

Largent, the former congressman and National Football League star receiver, has collected more than $2 million and had over $1 million in cash on hand.

Independent Gary L. Richardson was second in receipts with almost $1.9 million, but that counted $1.65 million the Tulsa attorney lent his campaign. Richardson spent more than $1.8 million and had about $62,000 in cash.

Edmond businessman Vince Orza led all Democrats in reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

Orza reported $908,237 in contributions and loans. His total included a loan of $195,000 and $84,968 in in-kind contributions. He had $610,337 cash remaining.

Henry reported total contributions of $786,595 by June 30 and expenditures of $261,005. He had $531,548 still left in his campaign account.

State Sen. Kelly Haney, D-Seminole, raised $510,527. He reported $42,000 in loans and $11,348 in in-kind donations. He had $59,295 left to spend.

State Rep. Jim Dungeon, D-Calera, reported receipts of $89,740 and had $44,233 in cash on hand.

Largent's total compared with $3,400 in total receipts listed by Jim Denny, one of his two opponents in the Aug. 27 primary. Andrew Marr Jr. of Norman had not filed a report by late Wednesday.

Largent has been in Guatemala all week on a mission trip, but his campaign office released a statement quoting Largent as saying he is proud his donations came from a diverse group of almost 6,000 individuals.

``This is shaping up to be a very competitive race which will require a tremendous amount of resources and hard work,'' Largent said. ``I will not concede any corner of this state and I believe this latest report is proof that our campaign continues to gain an unprecedented amount of momentum and support.''