Shadegg's reversal cost him $60K

U.S. Rep. John ShadeggThe Democratic contender in CD3, Bob Lord, shocked the political establishment by outraising Rep. John Shadegg by around $70,000 for the quarter and narrowing the cash on hand gap in what has become a tighter-than-expected money race.

However, that figure turns out to be misleading, as U.S. Rep. Shadegg's net total includes the return of just under $60,000 to dozens of donors. While Lord's performance remains impressive for a first-time candidate facing a longtime incumbent, it wouldn't have seemed nearly so overwhelming had those funds not left Shadegg's coffers.

The problem is that back in February, Shadegg announced his withdrawal from the race. The effect on the Arizona political landscape was explosive, as a who's-who of municipal and state officeholders presented themselves as possible replacement candidates. Then, persuaded by his Republican colleagues in the House to reconsider, Shadegg ended what would have been the most crowded and contentious primary of the cycle by coming back into the race. Unfortunately, it was thousands of dollars lighter.

"When we weren't running anymore there were some people who wanted their contributions back," said a high-level staffer for Shadegg, "so we returned them."

The staffer confirmed that efforts were underway to replace the lost dollars. "You bet," he said when asked whether there was an active campaign to reach out to those who asked their contributions be returned.

Some donors are more than willing to recontribute.

"Absolutely," said an investment banker in Connecticut who strongly supports Shadegg despite the continental divide, and who didn't even know the money had been returned. "If he asks I'll give again," said the man, who claims he is yet to be contacted by the Shadegg campaign.

Others aren't so sure. One woman wouldn't say whether she would contribute again or not, but seemed annoyed that it was even a question.

Ultimately, both Shadegg and Lord are well-funded, despite the Shadegg's setback, which represents only 6 percent of his current balance. Lord is behind by several hundred thousand dollars, and it will likely be factors other than money that decide this race that favors Shadegg, a Republican incumbent in a district that trends right.

Still, if the race ends up being tight, $60,000 amounts to a pretty decent ad buy, or lack thereof.