Mike Clelland and Scott Plakon Reeling in the Cash in Seminole County House Battle

The money is flowing in to Seminole County where Rep. Mike Clelland, D-Longwood, faces a strong challenge from Republican hopeful former Rep. Scott Plakon. In 2012 Clelland defeated Republican incumbent Chris Dorworth, who had been set to become speaker of the Florida House after the 2014 elections.

Clelland and Plakon were both busy in the second quarter of 2013 raising serious cash for next years contest. While he was barred from raising funds when the Legislature was in session in April and early May, Clelland raised more than $34,100 in the second quarter of 2013. As of June 30, Clelland has around $56,270 in the bank.

But despite losing to Democrat Karen Castor Dentel last year, Plakon had a solid fundraising quarter himself, reeling in more than $20,650. So far in the contest, Plakon has raised $37,050 and has almost $35,000 on hand.

Clelland might need the financial edge. Republicans make up 43 percent of the district while Democrats are 33 percent of it. Still, as Clelland showed when he defeated Dorworth, Democrats can win in this district. With both candidates raising serious cash, this will be one of the top legislative battles in the 2014 elections.