Charlie Dent

For the second quarter of the year, Congressman Charlie Dent raised just over $231K and finished with $686K cash on hand.  Dent is facing off against Sam Bennett who’s FEC report is due today.

In yet another example of the offshore drilling debate finding its way onto the campaign trail, U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Allentown) began robo-calls last week attacking his Democratic challenger for opposing new drilling, The Morning Call reports.

"We should produce more oil in America, but Congressional candidate Siobhan 'Sam' Bennett won’t allow offshore exploration or drilling in Alaska," a female caller says, according to The Call. "Even though the news reports that gas could cost us $7 a gallon by the end of year, Bennett still says “no.” When it comes to what we pay to drive and what we’re going to pay to heat our homes – Bennett just doesn’t get it."

Bennett's campaign responded by accusing Dent of a "tired, sleazy political tactic."

“I think Dent needs to apologize to everyone who has had these sleazy calls delivered to their answering machines, or even worse, their children," Bennett said in a statement.

The second quarter is over and now we wait for the FEC numbers to be released.  But what should we expect?

In the 3rd district Phil English is facing off against challenger Kathy Dahlkemper.  In April English was showing $690k cash on had after raising $282k in the first quarter.   Dalhkemper raised $58k during the same period and had $71k on hand.  This is the make or break quarter for Dahlkemper.  She has been named as a candidate to watch on the DCCC Red-to-Blue program, but another $58k quarter will not get the job done.  For Dahlkemper to be taken seriously by the DCCC she will need to post a number that puts her with at least $250k cash on hand.