Democrat Mike Keefe raised more than Republican Mary Kasten in their contest for the 158th District Missouri House campaign in the first three weeks of January, according to reports filed Monday with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Keefe raised $6,440 during the period, compared to $2,460 for Kasten. The difference wasn't enough to close Kasten's lead in overall fundraising.

Kasten, a Republican, has brought in a total of $46,240 for the Feb. 5 special election, while Keefe's total is up to $27,302 through Jan. 24.

Steve Kinder, the Libertarian candidate, has filed a statement indicating he did not intend to raise or spend more than $500 on his campaign.

Kasten has spent $24,675 so far, leaving her $20,714 for the final 12 days of the campaign. Her biggest expenses during the period were $3,846 to cover catering for a fund-raiser and $2,385 on radio advertising.

Keefe spent $17,730 during the period and $23,212 overall, leaving him $4,089 for the final days. Keefe's main spending drive in the period was on direct mail, with $10,321 spent so far. He has also spent $4,330 on radio advertising and $1,760 on newspaper ads.

Keefe, a former postmaster, Kasten, a former state representative and Kinder, a pharmacist, are competing for the seat formerly held by Nathan Cooper, who resigned in August after pleading guilty to two federal felonies for immigration fraud.

Fundraising reports:

Mike Keefe

Mary Kasten

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