BY GREGORY A. HALL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT MITCHELL -- Kentucky's U.S. Senate race is well on the way to becoming one of the most expensive races in state history.
Federal Election Commission reports, which were due Wednesday, show more than $2.6 million has been spent by candidates preparing for the May 26 primary. Most of that is accounted for by the $2.2 million allotted by Louisville businessman Charlie Owen.
In 1996, noted fund-raiser Mitch McConnell received $5.02 million in his successful re-election bid against former Democratic Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear, who raised $1.76 million.
Mr. McConnell spent $5 million while Mr. Beshear spent $1.74 million.
Mr. Owen, a Democrat who has said he would be willing to spend as much as $6 million of his own money on the race, has lent his campaign almost $2.8 million already.
Outside of personal loans, Lexington Democrat Scotty Baesler raised the most money of the Senate candidates the first three months of this year, but Republican Jim Bunning of Southgate had the most cash available as of March 31 -- more than $1.1 million -- nearing next month's primaries.
Five candidates are seeking the seat held by retiring, four-term Sen. Wendell Ford of Owensboro.
Mr. Bunning, the congressman who represents Northern Kentucky, has $1,148,658 to spend with no debts or outstanding loans.
"What is even more encouraging than the total amount we have raised is the fact we haven't had to spend much of it," Mr. Bunning said.
The campaign of Mr. Bunning's primary opponent, state Sen. Barry Metcalfe of Richmond, did not release his report Thursday. Mr. Baesler, who now represents Kentucky's 6th congressional district, raised $239,151 compared with Mr. Bunning's $214,440 and Lt. Gov. Steve Henry's $203,464.
Outside of lending himself money, Mr. Owen raised $21,851 and has $212,764 on hand.
Mr. Baesler had $682,483 to spend with $263,892 in debts and obligations. He lent his campaign $150,000.
Dr. Henry has $856,674 to spend with $413,000 in debts and obligations. He lent his campaign $255,000.
