Republican congressional candidate Mia Love talks with reporters during the Utah State GOP election night watch party Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Love outraising, outspending McAdams in close House race

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Mia Love’s latest fundraising reports show her outraising her Democratic challenger in what’s considered the state’s most competitive race, though the Ben McAdams campaign says their lower overall spending means the race is nearly tied for cash on hand.

The McAdams campaign said in a statement Friday they have about $1.25 million in the bank, slightly more than Love’s $1.23 million balance at the end of June.

The congresswoman comfortably outraised her opponent this spring, taking in about $1 million compared to $659,000 for McAdams, who is the mayor of Salt Lake County.

Though Republicans dominate politics in conservative Utah, Love’s district includes suburbs of blue-leaning Salt Lake City. It was held by a moderate Democrat for years before she won the seat in 2014.