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Roorda off to strong start in Senate District 22

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — One of the most watched Senate races of 2014 is already well underway.

State Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart, raised $17,000 during the first quarter – ending the period with more than $47,000 on hand, after including more than $36,000 carried over from his 2012 campaign for state representative.

Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart
Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart

Rep. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial, who is from the same senatorial district, did not raise any money in the first quarter and has $313.05 on hand.

“I do not raise money during session, I focus on my duties in the house and do not want to be distracted with fundraising while I’m in session,” Wieland said. “However, as soon as session ends we will be hitting the ground running.”

Wieland has been spending his time collecting endorsements and working to avoid a primary opponent. His endorsements include former Senator Bill Alter, former Representative and Presiding Commissioner Jon Selsor, Rep. Elaine Gannon, President of the Fox C-6 School Board, Dan Smith and Jim Berberich, Jefferson County Port Authority.

Additional Republican primary candidate potentials being mentioned around the Capitol includes Rep. John McCaherty, R-High Ridge, and Jefferson County Executive Ken Waller.

Wieland has selected veteran political consultant Robert Knodell of Barklage and Knodell as the general consultant for the race.

Rep. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial
Rep. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial

“It is a swing district that will likely be one of the most competitive in the state in 2014,” Knodell said. “A Wieland-Roorda matchup would be a compelling rematch of a targeted House race in 2010.”

On the Democratic side, a primary was avoided early during 2013.

With Roorda now the consensus nominee, his list of key early endorsements include incumbent Sen. Ryan McKenna, incumbent representatives Mike Frame and TJ McKenna, recently term limited Rep. Tim Meadows, as well as former Sen. Bill McKenna and former Rep. Wes Wagner.

To contact Scott Faughn, email scott@themissouritimes.com or via Twitter at @scottfaughn.