Evans vastly outpaced Fattah, other challengers in fundraising for congressional race

Pennsylvania state Rep. Dwight Evans’ campaign for Congress has raised more than $1 million since launching, according to recently filed campaign finance reports.

The total is more than 10 times what convicted former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah brought in during the same period.

Evans ended Fattah’s 22-year political career in April after winning the Democratic primary. He’ll now face Republican James Jones in November’s general election.

As of the end of June, Evans’ campaign had $75,495.92 on hand for that race, which, based on voter registration, is widely considered a formality.

As of Tuesday morning, Jones had not filed a campaign finance report for the latest period, which covers April 7 through June 30.

Lower Merion Township Commissioner Brian Gordon, who placed third in April, raised $53,993.51 during his campaign.

Ward leader Dan Muroff took in $307,779.23.

In June, a Philadelphia jury found Fattah guilty on all charges in his federal corruption case.

During a monthlong trial, prosecutors said Fattah took an illegal $1 million loan to help his flailing campaign for Philadelphia mayor in 2007, then stole federal grants and charitable donations to help repay part of the loan.

Fattah was also convicted of using campaign cash to help pay off some of his son’s college loan debt; taking bribes from a close friend who wanted to become a U.S. ambassador; and encouraging a political consultant to create a fake nonprofit to settle up on campaign debt.

Two days later, Fattah resigned from office amid political pressure.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has scheduled a special election to fill his seat for Nov. 8, the same day as the general election.