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Feinstein Challenger Emken In Debt

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Republican challenging U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein has taken on $300,000 of campaign debt.

A Federal Election Commission report posted for public review on Tuesday shows autism advocate Elizabeth Emken has about $100,000 cash on hand but owes $310,000 for the period ending in September.

Feinstein, a Democrat, has $3.3 million on hand and has spent a total of $2.8 million.

Emken spokesman Mark Standriff says Feinstein is raising money from special interests hoping to buy influence. Bill Carrick, Feinstein's consultant, responded Tuesday that her campaign was taking in many small donations. He said Emken "should focus on paying her bills."

Emken, from the San Francisco Bay area suburb of Danville, raised $324,000 for the quarter. She previously loaned herself $200,000 but has not given herself any more money.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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