Campaign finance reports show many Lowndes County candidates are off to a slow start when it comes to fundraising, either self-financing or showing no contributions at all.
The biggest dollar race so far is the sheriff’s race, in which incumbent Republican Eddie Hawkins has outraised Democratic challenger Willie D. Jones by $5,130. On the other end of the spectrum, no money was reported raised at all in the District 5 supervisor race.
The first round of campaign finance reports were due Wednesday. Candidates are required to itemize any donation or expenditure greater than $200.
Primary elections are Aug. 8, and the general election is Nov. 7.
Sheriff
Hawkins reported $8,940 in contributions, of which $8,200 was itemized. Hawkins was his own biggest donor, dipping into his pocket for $2,500. He also got $1,500 from his Patrol Capt. Richard Spann; $1,000 each from David Shelton and Bob Wiygul Trucking; $750 from Burns Dirt Construction; $500 from Kevin Horan; $400 from Forrest Allgood; $300 from Kevin Wright; and $250 from his Chief Deputy Brent Swan.
Hawkins also reported an in-kind contribution of $1,500 from Easley Refrigeration and Electric, which held a barbeque fundraiser and sponsored food for about 150 people.
Hawkins reported spending $3,828, of which $3,503 was itemized.
Democrat Willie D. Jones reported $3,810 in contributions, of which $300 was itemized. That came from Eric Gunn. Jones reported $3,795 in itemized expenditures.
District 1 Supervisor
Republican Michael Brock reported $1,025 in non-itemized contributions. He also reported $4,478 in expenditures.
Republican Matt Furnari reported no contributions or expenditures.
Democrat Tommy Lee Kidd reported $1,800 in itemized contributions, all of which was self-funded, and $1,270 in expenditures.
Republican Kevin U. Clark did not file a report by the deadline.
Incumbent District 1 Supervisor Harry Sanders is not running for re-election.
District 2 Supervisor
Incumbent Republican Trip Hairston reported $2,500 in contributions, all of which was both itemized and self-funded. He reported spending $100.
Republican challenger Brad Holliman reported no contributions but showed $1,800 in expenditures.
District 3 Supervisor
Republican Chad Frasher reported $700 in donations, all of which was non-itemized. He reported spending $1,380.
Independent Christopher Moore reported $400 in itemized contributions, which consisted of one donation from Bill Hudson. He’s spent all of it.
Republican hopeful Andy Williamson reported $5,255 in itemized contributions, all of which came from his own pocket. He reported spending every penny.
Republican Tony Hannah did not file a report by the deadline.
Incumbent Supervisor John Holliman is not seeking re-election.
District 4 Supervisor
Incumbent Jeff Smith reported no contributions to date. He reported $867 in expenditures.
Challengers Herman Phillips and Anthony Sanders did not timely file reports.
All three candidates are running as Democrats.
District 5 Supervisor
Incumbent Democrat Leroy Brooks reported no contributions and no expenditures.
His opponent, Independent Tiffany Turner, did not file a finance report by the deadline.
Chancery Clerk
Incumbent Republican Cindy Goode reported $1,500 in itemized contributions – Jack Hayes, Lisa Neese and Danny and Sue King each gave $500. She reported no expenditures.
Democratic challenger Andre Deforest Roberts did not file a report by the deadline.
Coroner
Incumbent Republican Greg Merchant reported no contributions, but showed $1,306 in expenditures.
Democratic challenger Leonard Williams Jr. did not file a report by the deadline.
Tax Collector
Maci Griffin reported $3,988 in contributions, $2,825 of which was itemized. Donors included $1,500 from Glenn Jenkins; $456 from Chris and Michelle Griffin; $300 each from Vikas Patel and Ken Patel; and $265 in self-funding. She reported spending $3,636.
Diane Whaley Stephens reported no contributions and $1,290 in expenditures.
Kalee Talley reported $1,170 in contributions, of which $300 was itemized in the form of a donation from Chad Weldon. She reported spending $2,772.
All three are running as Republicans.
District 3 Justice Court Judge
Challenger James E. Gunter reported $1,600 in contributions, $1,000 of which were itemized. His sole itemized contribution was $1,000 from Adam Holmes of Columbus. He reported $1,211 in expenditures.
Incumbent Peggy Phillips reported no contributions or expenditures for the reporting period.
Challenger Joseph Mickens reported $1,800 in itemized contributions, all of which was self-funded. He reported spending $1,372.
All three are running as Democrats.
Non-competitive races
Circuit Clerk Teresa Barksdale, Tax Assessor Greg Andrews, County Attorney William Starks, District 1 Justice Court Judge Chris Hemphill, District 2 Justice Court Judge Ron Cooke, District 1 Constable Chris Griffin, District 2 Constable Joe Ables Jr., District 3 Constable Willie “Sonny” Sanders, District 2 Election Commissioner Nancy Ford Duke, District 3 Election Commissioner Yuvonda Youngblood and District 4 Election Commissioner Sherry Guyton Odneal are all running unopposed.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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