BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ERLANGER -- Earlier this summer when Democratic congressional candidate Ken Lucas reported a 4-to-1 fund-raising advantage over Republican Gex "Jay" Williams, Mr. Williams told his supporters not to worry. Mr. Williams said the campaign was planning to raise money through a series of high-profile fund-raisers featuring national Republican political figures, according to several local Republican party activists and contributors.
Next week, Mr. Williams -- pitted against a fellow Boone Countian in the 4th District race -- begins to deliver.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas and U.S. Reps. Steve Largent of Oklahoma and John Linder of Georgia have committed to holding fund-raisers for the Williams campaign.
"These visits all reinforce the idea that Republicans are very committed to Gex Williams winning this seat," said Craig Hendricks, Mr. Williams campaign manager.
Mr. Lucas' campaign was quick Wednesday to point out the disparity in fund-raising between the two camps as of last month, the latest campaign finance reporting period. Mr. Lucas had raised about $360,000 to Mr. Williams' $80,000.
"It's obvious Gex Williams is desperate to try and raise some money and make a media splash right around Labor Day," said Bob Doyle, Mr. Lucas' Washington political strategist.
"And bringing these people in shows Gex Williams can't get the support, financial or otherwise, he needs in the 4th District, so he has to go outside. It shows who he is beholden to, and it's not the people of the 4th District," Mr. Doyle said.
Mr. Williams' fund-raisers begin Monday with Mr. Linder, who is scheduled to hold a luncheon at Covington's Metropolitan Club. The event will cost $100 a person.
Mr. Linder is not as well-known nationally as Mr. Gingrich, but he heads a powerful GOP political committee -- the National Republican Congressional Committee -- that has pledged resources and cash to Mr. Williams' campaign.
Mr. Armey is scheduled to attend a Metropolitan Club fund-raiser Aug. 26 that will cost $125 a person.
Mr. Largent, a member of the National Football League's Hall of Fame and a rising GOP star, is scheduled to attend a Sept. 21 luncheon on a BB Riverboat in Covington. The cost is $75 a person.
Mr. Gingrich is scheduled to be here Sept. 22 for a dinner, though details have not been worked out.
