Bryant spends the most money among candidates
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Bryant declared $4,943 in campaign expenditures and $1,650 in funds taken in for the reporting period which ended April 27. The amount was nearly double that of incumbent Trustee Joy Slatton, who took in and spent $2,685 during the same period.
The third Democratic candidate, Don Alexander, spent only a fraction of that amount, taking in $1,000 and spending $316. Emily Ann Panter, who will face the winner of the primary, reports spending and taking in nothing thus far.
In most cases, the lion’s share of the money collected and spent by the candidates is their own money, although some candidates have reported having small fund-raisers. Balances were even charged on a credit card by one hopeful. The most common expenditures are for campaign signs and cards, and newspaper and radio advertisements.
The second most expensive race thus far is register of deeds in which three Democrats are facing off for the privilege of moving on to the general election.
Incumbent Terry Smith led the way, taking in and spending $2,324. The total was just ahead of challenger Randy England who collected $2,025 and spent $1,994. Susan Curtis, who will face the winner in the general election Aug. 1, took in and spent $528.
The county clerk’s race, which will be decided by the primary, did not have the same sense of financial urgency. According to the disclosure, Democratic challenger Jeff McGee collected and spent $1,116 while his incumbent opponent, David Smartt, took in and spent $869.
While just beginning his campaign barrage, independent county executive challenger Kenneth Rogers has already begun loading his war chest for the intense summer campaign as he reported taking in $4,610 while spending $1,893. He lost by a scant 20 votes in 1998.
His incumbent Democratic opponent, Carol Hamblen, reported she has not spent a penny thus far while taking in $2,200. Challenger Bob Warren has taken in and spent $887. Their race will be decided Aug. 1.
The race for sheriff, which will not be decided until Aug. 1, appears to have the least expenditures to this point. Second-term incumbent Sheriff Jackie Matheny led the way, taking in $1,390 and spending $864. Next was Doc Smith who took in $750 and spent $557. Everett Pearsall brought up the rear in spending with $350 collected and spent.
The pre-primary disclosure is one of many reports required from candidates. There will also be a post-primary, a pre-general election and a post-general election finance report required. The candidates for circuit judge did not have to file pre-primary reports since they are not involved in the primary.