Republicans struggle to fundraise in Maryland Congressional race

BY CHRIS MELVILLE

David Banach, a Republican in his first campaign for public office, has raised $958 in the Congressional race for Maryland's second district, according to July Federal Election Commission filings.

Of the $958, $496 are itemized individual contributions. David Banach was his biggest contributor in this section with $355. His mom, Mary Christine Banach, contributed $244. David Banach also
contributed $390 in the candidate self-financing section.

Banach's operating expenditures were $671 and his cash on hand amount was $125. The details of his operating expenditures were not described in the filing but Banach confirmed that no money had been spent on television or radio advertising.

Dutch Ruppersberger, the Democrat incumbent, had raised $766,843 and had $963,254 cash on hand, according to the same filing. More than 70 percent of Ruppersberger's contributions came from PACs.

The Ernst & Young PAC contributed $10,000 and the AT&T Federal PAC contributed $8,000.

Banach had no PAC support.

“He is backed by corporations, defense corporations,” said Banach. “He's going to vote for every policy possible to keep defense intact. Individual donors are really all I care about.”

With $958, Banach has raised more than four other Republicans in the eight district race.

Frances Lee, a professor of government politics at the University of Maryland, views the lack of fundraising as a viability issue.

“It's a kind of a vicious cycle where one of the reasons why you're seen as not viable as a candidate is because you haven't raised money, and because you're seen as not viable it's hard to raise money,” said Lee.

“You can't even mount a credible campaign for less than half a million dollars, probably more than that.”

Banach doesn't see himself as a threat in this race but doesn't expect his political career to end when it's over.

“I do see myself running again,” said Banach. “If I could somehow muster the money then I'd be a contender.”

The largest amount raised in this Congressional race was by incumbent Steny H. Hoyer, with $3,088,426. His challenger, Republican Chris Chaffee, had raised zero dollars according to the report.

Hoyer's amount is low compared to amounts raised in close races.

“The competitive house races are very expensive,” said Lee. “Tens of millions of dollars are spent in competitive house races.”

David Banach is a cook at Chili's while campaigning.