Ose contributes $200K more to his own campaign to fund offensive against McClintock

Congressional candidate Doug OseRepublican U.S. House candidate Doug Ose has deposited $200,000 of his own money into his campaign coffers, and a spokesperson suggested to PolitickerCA.com Thursday that the contribution would be used to fund a stepped-up offensive against primary opponent Tom McClintock.

"This is intended to fund a wider offensive in this campaign so that voters can understand what Doug Ose can do for the district, while continuing to explain to voters who Tom McClintock is, which is nothing more than a career politician looking for his next landing spot," said Ose spokesman Doug Elmets.

Ose, a land developer whose fortune has been estimated to hover around $50 million, loaned his campaign $849,000 through the first three months of the year, fundraising records show. Wednesday's transfer of $200,000 brings the self-funding total to over $1 million.

John Feliz, McClintock's campaign manager, said Ose's contribution was a sign that he was failing in his fundraising efforts. "It indicates a substantial weakness in his base of support," said Feliz. "He's running out of money, and he has to write his own check."

Elmets said the Ose campaign was preparing to air new advertisements on radio, television, and in direct mail.

Ose, a former U.S. Congressman, and McClintock, a veteran state legislator, are competing for the Roseville-area seat that Republican John Doolittle is stepping down from after eight terms. Charlie Brown, a retired Air Force officer, is running unopposed on the Democratic side.