Indianapolis - New campaign reports show that the four Republicans planning to challenge longtime Indiana Congressman Dan Burton in next year's GOP primary combined to raise more than double what he did in the past three months.
Burton, however, still outpaced all those in the race in central Indiana's 5th district by raising $151,686 during the July-September period.
Former state Rep. Luke Messer of Shelbyville led the challengers by raising $127,159, followed by state Rep. Mike Murphy of Indianapolis with $104,377; 2008 Burton challenger John McGoff of Indianapolis with $66,246; and Brose McVey of Carmel with $51,825.
Burton ended September with about $440,000 in his campaign fund for the heavily Republican 5th district seat, while Messer was next with about $240,000.
Burton was first elected in 1982 and is Indiana's longest-serving congressman.
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