Money makes the world go round. But where it comes from is the important issue, especially if you are a candidate in this year's race for the 7th District congressional seat.
The race, between Republican incumbent Eric Cantor and former Georgia Rep. Ben Jones, best known as "Cooter" on the popular 70s TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard," has drawn national attention because of Jones' celebrity status. But with the election a week away, attention has turned from Jones and his "General Lee" to the source of each candidates' funds.
Jones' campaign manager Ben Tribbet said, "the main issue [for their campaign] is special interests. Ben is not accepting [Political Action Committee] money."
Carolyn Fiddler, communications director for the Democratic Party of Virginia, said Jones was "not beholden to special interests," because he has chosen not to accept money from PACs.
The Jones camp has repeatedly criticized Cantor for taking PAC money.
However, Cantor has defended his source of funding, and called Jones' criticism "misplaced and baseless."
Cantor said most PAC money he has received has come from businesses in the 7th District.
"Most PAC money is a collection of contributions from individual employees that work for a company; it's not big, corporate money," he said.
Cantor also pointed out that although Jones' campaign funds may not come directly from PACs, he is indirectly receiving PAC money by accepting donations from other campaigns that are PAC funded.
"During this campaign he has accepted money from members of Congress whose campaigns accept PAC money," Cantor said. "It's an example of Mr. Jones doing one thing and saying another."
Tribett denied the allegations.
Despite the importance of campaign finance in this race, both campaigns also are concentrating on other issues that have gained national prominence.
Cantor said he was most focused on the economy and national security and cited his recent congressional record.
"I co-sponsored an education tax credit and co-sponsored the Bush tax cut," Cantor said. "I served on the international relations committee and believe we need to take aggressive action to remove Sadaam Hussein from power."
Tribbet cited his candidates' previous record as a Georgia Congressman from 1988 until 1992.
"He voted for the Bush economic plan," during his term, Tribbet said. "He voted for the first Iraq war. He served on the veterans and transportation committee."
Both sides agreed the former TV star's celebrity status has aided Jones' campaign.
"It's an advantage because in most cases a challenger spends much of their time just trying to establish recognition," said Aaron Liebowitz, executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia. "That hasn't been a problem for" Jones.
Tribett agreed, "It's been a help in terms of securing publicity."
Congressional Quarterly has rated the 7th District race as "safe Republican," which it defines as a race where "the Republican nominee is/will be a strong favorite, and an upset is virtually impossible."
Despite Cantor's lead, both sides stressed the importance of voter turnout.
"Eric Cantor should win but it's absolutely critical that our grassroots voters get out and vote," Liebowitz said. "Because he has such a commanding lead, we hope that people don't feel overconfident and stay home."
Tribbet said voter turnout could affect the outcome of the race. "We'll see on Tuesday," he said.
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