Wis. GOP senator spent $182k around recall race

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — New campaign finance reports show Republican state Sen. Van Wanggaard spent nearly $182,000 in the weeks surrounding the June 5 Wisconsin recall elections.

Reports covering May 22 through June 27 show Wanggaard spent $181,745 and raised $77,965. He had $24,552 in the bank. Wanggaard's Democratic challenger, John Lehman, spent $96,850 and raised $51,926. He had $17,077 on hand.

The outcome of their race in Racine County's 21st Senate District is still in doubt. A recount showed Lehman with an 819-vote lead.

But a Lehman victory would hand Democrats control of the state Senate. Wanggaard has refused to concede and is contemplating a legal challenge.