Shawn Harrison has the Financial Edge Over Mark Danish

Former state Rep. Shawn Harrison filed to take on Rep. Mark Danish, D-Tampa, at the end of April, hoping for a rematch of their contest in 2012. In the first two months of his campaign, Harrison did a solid job in bringing in funds, raising $17,545 and spending a little more than $700. Danish only raised $6,000 in the second quarter of 2013 though he was prohibited from raising money when the Legislature was in session. During the second quarter, Danish relied on $500 of in-kind donations and spent almost $2,200. As of June 30, Danish had around $13,400 in the bank, giving him less than Harrison who had around $16,845.

But this is a district where Harrison will need the financial advantage. The district, which includes parts of Hillsborough County, leans Democratic where they have a 6 percent advantage over the GOP in party registration. Harrison massively outspent Danish in 2012 but lost by 800 votes. Of course, Danish wont have President Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson turning out Democrats in 2014. As both Danish and Harrison start to build war chests, this House race is shaping up to be one to watch in 2014.