Lee’s fundraising leads Democrats seeking 4th Congressional District seat

In the 4th Congressional District four Democrats are in competition for their party's nod to challenge incumbent Rep. Cresent Hardy, R-Nevada, who is running for a second term.

Philanthropist Susie Lee leads the Democratic candidates for the district that includes Nye County. Lee reported $646,563 cash-on-hand and took in $724,774 in contributions during 2015. She's also lent her campaign $150,000, filings show.

Lee's cash-on-hand comes within striking distance of Hardy's war chest. He reported $659,592 cash-on-hand in his filing.

Lee also had support from the gaming industry, including $5,400 from Hornbuckle, $2,500 from the MGM Resorts International PAC, and $5,400 from MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren.

Hardy reported receiving $901,252 in contributions in 2015.

In the past quarter, Shelley Adelson and Patrick Dumont each gave $5,400 to Hardy's campaign. Miriam Adelson's daughter, Yasmin Lukatz, and her husband, Oren Lukatz, each gave $5,400 to Hardy's campaign.

Here's how other Democrats fared:

• Lucy Flores, a former Nevada assemblywoman, reported $84,435 cash-on-hand and $226,768 in contributions in 2015.

• State Sen. Ruben Kihuen reported $372,980 cash-on-hand and $514,695 in contributions in 2015.

• John Oceguera, former Nevada Assembly speaker, reported $183,965 in contributions last year, with $204,470 cash on hand in his year-end filing. His cash-on-hand exceeds donations because he also lent his campaign $100,005.

The primary election is June 14, with the winner likely facing Hardy on Nov. 8.

The Pahrump Valley Times is owned by a limited liability company controlled by the Adelson family, majority owners of Las Vegas Sands.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1