Chabot, Driehaus in money race

Rep. Steve Chabot continued to raise thousands of dollars in campaign cash during the past three months, although he brought in half as much as he did during the previous three-month period.

From July 1 to Sept. 30, Chabot collected about $157,000, according to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission late Monday.

But from April 1 to June 30, Chabot had raised more than $300,000

With minimal campaign expenses, Chabot has about $535,000 in the bank.

That may seem like a lot, but it's only about one-sixth of the amount of cash it cost the seven-term lawmaker last year to defend his seat against Democrat John Cranley.

Next year, Chabot faces Ohio state Rep. Steven Driehaus, a Price Hill Democrat.

Driehaus raised about $122,000 during the last three months and has $251,000 in the bank – half as much as Chabot, according to his FEC report.

Raising less cash, however, is not unusual for challengers running against long-time incumbents.

Last year, Cranley was both outraised and outspent by Chabot, who dropped nearly $2.99 million compared to Cranley's $2.02 million.

Chabot beat Cranley, his toughest opponent in years, with 52 percent of the vote.