Inhofe's opponent hits $1M

By Chris Casteel

Published: April 16, 2008

WASHINGTON — Oklahoma state Sen. Andrew Rice has raised more than $1 million for his campaign to defeat incumbent U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe. But Inhofe has more than $2.2 million in the bank to defend his seat.

Rice, an Oklahoma City Democrat who began raising money last summer, raised more than $970,000 through March 31, but passed the $1 million mark this month, according to his campaign.

According to a campaign finance report Rice filed this week, he raised $431,000 in the first three months of this year and had nearly $600,000 left in the bank at the end of March.

"It's encouraging to have the support of thousands of people who share my desire for change,” Rice said in a statement. "We're building a strong grassroots campaign that, despite my opponent's monetary advantage, will make us competitive in November.”

Inhofe, R-Tulsa, who has been in the Senate since 1994, raised slightly more than $800,000 in the first three months of the year and had $2.2 million in cash at the end of March.

Inhofe's campaign spokesman declined to comment Tuesday about the fundraising totals.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee, is not up for re-election this year.

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