Thousands in final funds pumped into campaigns |[10/31/07]
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, October 31, 2007
State parties, their affiliated groups and the candidates themselves poured thousands into the campaigns of those running for office in Warren County in October.
In the final round of campaign finance reports before Tuesday’s general election, the trend touched both local and legislative races.
Among the $18,055 in contributions to Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, was a $7,855 gift from the House Democratic Leadership political action committee. Flaggs also picked up another $4,800 in contributions from other PACs inside and outside the state.
Flaggs has raised $55,734.92 in his bid for a sixth term against Republican challenger Rick McAlister, who reported raising $11,360 during the pre-election report covering money spent and raised by Oct. 27. McAlister has put more than $8,000 of his own funds into the effort.
In other races, candidates for Circuit Court District 9 District Attorney have pulled nearly even in fund raising thus far.
Incumbent Gil Martin, an independent, reported $27,650 in campaign cash, nearly all of it self-financed. Reports show Democratic challenger Ricky Smith with $27,989 raised, with more than $10,000 from himself.
Sen. Mike Chaney, R-Vicksburg, reported raising $367,467 in his race for commissioner of insurance against Democrat Gary Anderson.
Included in this period’s report was a $100,000 contribution from the Mississippi Republican Party PAC and $55,000 of his own funds. Also, reports showed $19,000 coming from insurance interests, including agents and firms.
Anderson has raised $394,930 thus far, according to finance reports, with more than $132,000 from himself and $54,300 from attorneys. Also, he has picked up $7,079 in funds raised online by ACTBlue, a Massachusetts-based firm which helps solicit funds for Democratic candidates on the local, state and national levels.
Senate District 23 hopeful Briggs Hopson III reported $117,865 in funds raised through October, including $5,500 from the Mississippi Republican Party. A report for October was not available for Democratic challenger Eric Rawlings, who reported $4,200 through September.
No reports were available by the 5 p.m. deadline from candidates running for the House District 54 seat. Republican Alex Monsour led in fundraising through September, with $55,718 raised. Democrat Jennifer Thomas and independent Thomas Setser have each raised about $10,000 thus far.
Vicksburg native Delbert Hosemann’s fundraising hit the $1 million mark, including a $120,000 from the state GOP.
In local races, candidates largely reported small contributions during the month.
District 1 supervisor candidate Margaret Gilmer, an independent, reported $5,115 in funds through Oct. 27. The largest came from the Carpenters Local 303, which kicked in $1,000. No report was available for fellow independent Tony Ford or for Republican incumbent David McDonald, who had $8,689 raised through September.
District 2 Supervisor William Banks, a Democrat, reported $2,548 raised. No report was available for independent Tommie F. Rawlings.
Funds also flowed into the District 4 supervisor race, where incumbent Carl Flanders reported $7,081 raised and more than $6,400 spent by Oct. 27.
Former supervisor Bill Lauderdale, also running as an independent, reported $7,645 in cash raised, including $1,000 from local physician Dr. Paul W. Pierce III.
No report was available for Republican C.L. “Buddy” Hardy.
District 5 supervisor candidate Kenneth Sharp Jr. reported $3,700.74 raised through Oct. 27. Incumbent Richard George raised $2,200 for the period, while Robert Hubbard, also an independent, reported raising $2,942.
No report was available for Democrat Frank Gardner or Republican Joe Wooley.
Neither Tax Assessor Richard Holland nor his challenger, Pat Ring, submitted a campaign finance report before Tuesday’s deadline. Both had raised more than $20,000 through September.
Northern District Constable Glenn McKay reported $100 raised and $725 spent through Oct. 27. While ballots have been received by the Warren County Circuit Clerk’s Office and have been printed, McKay’s challenger, Eddie Hoover, indicated on finance reports he will no longer accept contributions or spend any funds.
Reports also were not available for Central District Constable candidates, Democrat Randy Naylor and Republican James E. Jefferson Jr.