A Big Money 20 incumbent, Schweikert has taken over $1.2 million from corporate PACs over the course of his political career
In the midst of multiple ethics investigations, Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-06) spent more money in the third fundraising quarter of 2019 than his campaign raised. Having paid $105,000 in “legal consulting” this quarter, his campaign continues to have more debt than cash on hand.
What’s more –– not even four percent of David Schweikert’s total receipts from this quarter came from small-dollar individual contributions. Meanwhile, Schweikert received a whopping $85,000 from big individual contributions plus an additional $37,250 from PACs.
So what does Rep. David Schweikert’s third quarter FEC report prove? He’s more beholden to covering up his corrupt scandals through contributions from big donors and corporate special interests rather than fighting for Arizonans.
AZ Central: Rep. David Schweikert’s campaign flounders with donors again
Ronald J. Hansen
10.16.19
Rep. David Schweikert’s congressional campaign once again spent more than it took in, putting him even further behind his leading Democratic rival.
By the end of September, Schweikert, a five-term Arizona Republican, had just $144,000 in cash, the least of the state’s incumbents. It was dwarfed by the $603,000 Hiral Tipirneni, one of his Democratic challengers in the 6th Congressional District, put away.
At summer’s end, Schweikert’s campaign had more debt, $187,000, than cash.
He raised $136,000, which was half the $333,000 Tipirneni pulled in.
Schweikert, who remains under a House Ethics Committee investigation, again spent heavily on legal bills, $105,000, according to his campaign finance report, which was filed Tuesday.
Chris Baker, a Schweikert campaign consultant, sidestepped the latest lackluster report and predicted another triumph in the traditionally Republican-leaning, Scottsdale-based district.
“Congressman Schweikert has always run well-funded campaigns and will again in 2020,” Baker said. “He has easily defeated every Democrat challenger by double digits and we expect 2020 to be no different.”
Tipirneni said her fundraising advantage was an outgrowth of Schweikert’s ethics probe and his loyalty to President Donald Trump.
“With Congressman Schweikert’s ongoing ethics scandals and extreme voting record, Arizonans are looking for someone who will lead with integrity and fight for common-sense policy solutions that ensure greater opportunity for families all across the district,” she said.
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Democrats also had sizable cash advantages in three other House districts that are nominally considered competitive.
In the 1st Congressional District, Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Ariz., easily outraised his challengers, taking in $303,000.
Democrat Eva Putzova raised $35,000 and Republican Tiffany Shedd raised $120,000. Chris Taylor, a Republican, collected $7,900.
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., raised $259,000. By contrast, Republican Shay Stautz, who is hoping to unseat her in the 2nd Congressional District, raised $117,000.
Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., the incumbent in the 9th Congressional District, collected $225,000, which was well ahead of Republican Dave Giles, who reported just $2,700.
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