GOP Senator Van Wanggaard spent $182k around recall race

By The Associated Press

CREATED Jul. 5, 2012

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MADISON- New campaign finance reports show Republican state Sen. Van Wanggaard spent nearly $182,000 in the weeks surrounding the June 5 recall elections.

Reports covering May 22 through June 27 show Wanggaard spent $181,745 and raised $77,965. He had $24,552 in the bank.

Wanggaard's Democratic challenger, John Lehman, spent $96,850 and raised $51,926. He had $17,077 on hand.

Wanggaard faced a fierce challenge from Democrat John Lehman in Racine County's 21st Senate District. A Lehman victory would give Democrats a one-seat majority in the Senate.

The outcome of their race is still in doubt, though. A recount showed Lehman with an 819-vote lead but Wanggaard has refused to concede and is contemplating a legal challenge.

Lehman hadn't filed his campaign reports with state elections officials as of midday Thursday.