WTHR |Donnelly has $700,000 for campaign, no announced opponent

Donnelly has $700,000 for campaign, no announced opponent

South Bend - Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly heads into the election year with more money than two years ago and no announced opponent.

Donnelly's campaign has about $700,000 on hand for his re-election bid, about three times what it had two years ago when he was preparing to take on Republican incumbent Chris Chocola, Donnelly spokesman Bob Doyle said.

Donnelly was among three Democrats to unseat Republicans from Indiana congressional seats in 2006 as he received 54 percent of the vote over Chocola in northern Indiana's 2nd District.

"I am humbled by the support and donations of so many Hoosiers and other friends who have pitched in to help get ready for the 2008 election cycle," Donnelly said.

Donnelly appeared to have a Republican opponent this year when Kokomo's Chris Minor, a retired Army officer from Kokomo, announced his candidacy, but Minor later dropped out of the race. Last spring, Goshen businessman Luke Puckett expressed interest in seeking the Republican nomination, then later said he would not run.

St. Joseph County Republican Chairman Chris Riley said he remained hopeful that Puckett would re-emerge as a candidate.

Democrats and Republicans each control four Indiana congressional seats, with the 7th District vacant following the death of Democratic Rep. Julia Carson.

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