ELECTION 2004

• Election 2004 section NATIONAL RACES • Cheney: No artificial date for ending terror war • Candidates can't control surprises OHIO RACES • Battle for District 3 seat focuses on job creation • Issue 4 would phase out city's property tax over 10-year span • Media blitz begins for Ohio's Issue 1 • Growth funding sought • Foreign observers banned by Blackwell • Union boss, legislator seek Senate seat • Ballot finally reaches soldier • Life experiences separate Supreme Court candidates • Terrace Park seeks rare tax increases • Sheriff's race has 'names' • Golf Manor asks renewal of 7-mill operating levy KENTUCKY RACES • Davis/Clooney in the stretch • Poll: Fletcher's approval rating has dropped 10 percent since May • Bunning launches bus tour • Newport's key issue: taking land EDITORIAL PAGE ELECTION VIEWS • Endorsement: Return Voinovich to Senate • Your Voice: Catholic stance against Kerry valid

But Clooney has gotten a big boost from Democrats in Washington to help cut into to Davis' financial advantage.

The new numbers come out as Clooney and Davis prepare for their final debate Wednesday night at Northern Kentucky University.

In the 13-day fund-raising period, Oct. 1-13, Davis raised $133,180, compared to Clooney's $77,102, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Davis reported having $628,065 in cash on hand compared to Clooney's cash on hand of $308,382.

And from July 1 through Sept. 30 Davis raised $670,783 while Clooney raised $326,427.

"This race is close, but clearly the momentum is on our side as we near Election Day," Davis said.

B.J. Neidhardt, Clooney's campaign manager, said Davis "can raise all the money he wants for attack ads."

The Clooney campaign has complained about the tone of the some of the ads placed by Davis and Republicans out of Washington, claiming the TV and direct mail ads have distorted Clooney's record and stance on issues and resorted to name-calling.

"People of the 4th District know and trust Nick Clooney and will not believe any lies no matter how much money (Davis) has to broadcast them," Neidhardt said.

Clooney, however, is getting a big financial boost this week from Washington. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is spending just more than $700,000 on advertising, including TV commercials, on Clooney's behalf, according to election finance reports.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has spent at least that much, if not more, on Davis' campaign.

Clooney and Davis are set to debate 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday before a live audience in NKU's Regents Hall.

Legacy, Northern Kentucky's young professionals group, organized the event and expects a large crowd because of the high interest in the debate.

More than 1,200 people attended a Legacy-sponsored debate in last year's gubernatorial race that was also held at NKU.

"The 4th District Congressional Race between Mr. Clooney and Mr. Davis is one of the most-watched races in the country," said Wade T. Williams, a Legacy member. "Legacy set out to not only give the voters an opportunity to hear the leading candidates, but to increase voter participation as well. It is anticipated that this year's debate like last years will draw more than 1,000 people."

If you go

What: Final 4th District debate.

Who: Republican Geoff Davis and Democrat Nick Clooney.

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Where: Regents Hall at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights.

Details: The public is invited. Independent candidate Michael Slider was not invited to participate.

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E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com