Turner Leading In Fundraising Race
Republican lawmaker from Oklahoma self-funds congressional campaign with $500,000
by Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — State Rep. Mike Turner put $500,000 of his own money into his campaign for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. James Lankford, according to a federal campaign report filed Tuesday.
Turner, a 27-year-old Republican from Edmond, loaned his campaign $250,000 and donated another $250,000, according to the report, which was posted on the Federal Election Commission website a week later than reports for other candidates in the 5th District race.
Stephen Paulsen, campaign coordinator for Turner’s effort, said Turner mailed in his report and was not required to file it electronically, though federal rules indicate otherwise.
Turner received $3,400 in donations, in addition to the money he put into the campaign. His $503,400 total in receipts eclipsed that of Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas, an Edmond Republican, whose campaign raised $404,537; state Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, who raised $178,000; former state lawmaker Steve Russell, who raised $107,000, and others in the crowded GOP field.