Bartlett has large cash advantage over Dougherty despite being outraised in 1Q fundraising

U.S. Rep. Roscoe BartlettRep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Frederick) has a substantial cash advantage over challenger Jennifer Dougherty (D-Frederick) despite being outraised in the first financial quarter of the year, according to new data released by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

The congressman reported $14,610.00 in total contributions over the quarter with an additional $1,010.00 in total receipts. He has $281,311.29 cash on hand.

Dougherty, the former mayor of Frederick, reported $28,805.40 in total contributions over the quarter, with an additional $25.00 in total receipts. She has $19,240.67 cash on hand.

Bartlett campaign spokesperson Bud Otis said the data “wasn’t a surprise to us,” but said he expected “our opponent to raise more.”

Despite being outraised by a near two to one margin in the first quarter, Bartlett’s sizeable cash on hand advantage, more than 14 times that of Dougherty, has the campaign “in good shape,” according to Otis.

Otis said he was not concerned about being outraised; citing the cash advantage, while adding, “We didn’t do a lot,” in terms of fundraising, “over the first quarter.”

Dougherty also said the numbers did not come as “much of surprise,” saying Bartlett “has a pretty big war chest.”

The candidate questioned the source of the congressman’s money and the influence that it has on his duties, saying, “He takes money from people outside the district and ignores us.”

She cited contributions Bartlett has received from the oil and gas companies, and his pledge to provide “tax subsidies” for those same industries.

“He goes with the party line and the money comes from party loyalists,” Dougherty said.

The candidate said she was not particularly concerned with Bartlett’s cash advantage, adding, “It’s not the only thing.”

She referred to her successful campaign for mayor in 2001 despite being outspent by two-term incumbent James Grimes (R) as evidence that she could overcome Bartlett’s financial advantage, and also said she would raise an “adequate amount of money” for her campaign.

“The idea that you have to buy a vote is something I cringe at,” Dougherty said.

Otis did not seem concerned, saying, “People are very supportive of the congressman.”

“You would always like to have more but we feel good about where we are,” Otis said in regards to finances.

In addition, Otis said two private fundraisers on the congressman’s behalf would be taking place in the near future.

Despite the cash advantage, Otis said, “We always run like we’re 20 points behind.”

Dougherty also said a number of private and public fundraising opportunities would be taking place over the next few months, both “small and large events.”

To overcome her financial disadvantage, Dougherty said she would continue her “grassroots campaign,” and would participate in a vigorous campaign of phone-banking and knocking on doors.

She said her advantage in terms of funds raised in the first quarter was a sign that “people are interested in the alternative.”

“I focus on the most important thing—talking to voters,” Dougherty said.

Bartlett has represented Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District since 1993.