According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission this week, the Boccieri campaign reported raising roughly $307,000 from the period starting January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008.  This brings his fundraising total to over $692,000 for the cycle--more than the all previous Democratic candidates in the 16th district combined over the last 25 years. By comparison, his Republican opponent Kirk Schuring raised just $221,000 for the quarter and roughly $490,000 for the cycle.  Boccieri ended the reporting period with roughly $251,000 on-hand versus Schuring who has only about $103,000.

"Our commanding fundraising lead is yet another signal that John Boccieri continues to win over Ohioans from across the political spectrum that are demanding change in Washington," Walton said.  "At the same time, despite being highly touted by Washington Republicans, Schuring's fundraising like his primary performance, has been surprisingly lackluster."

Also an Air Force Reservist, John Boccieri still serves after 14 years in the United States Air Force, obtaining the rank of Major and was deployed in four rotations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the legislature, John has been a tireless advocate for Ohio's veterans, working families and the jobs and industries that have built our state. In Congress, John Boccieri is someone who will put partisanship aside and fight to defend our country from terrorists, make health care more affordable and ease the economic crunch for Ohio families.

The Canton Repository has said:

Boccieri's particular interests in the Legislature -- education and veterans issues -- would translate well to Congress, as would his desire to promote Ohio's potential for alternative-energy research and industry.

The Fix, a political blog on The Washington Post's Web site, had the 16th District as No. 3 on its list last week of seats most likely to change political party control in the U.S. House of Representatives. Retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, a Navarre Republican, has held the seat since 1973.

State Sen. John Boccieri enjoys a financial advantage over his Republican opponent in the open 16th Congressional District race.

We've got alot of work to do moving forward, but man isn't it awesome when a Democratic contender, in a Congressional District that has gone Republican for 60 long years, is beating the "heir appearant" in the early money race! We'll be bringing you more highlights as news breaks.