OKTIBBEHA COUNTY — With campaign fundraising seemingly lulled as the Nov. 7 general election approaches, a notable host of candidates failed to file their most recent mandatory reports.
Of the 14 candidates required by law to submit campaign finance reports by 5 p.m. Tuesday, only six did.
The eight that did not — and still hadn’t by press time Wednesday — include John Rice, the Democrat running for sheriff; Erik Young, the Democrat running for District 1 supervisor; incumbent Democrat Joe Williams and Republican challenger Les Lindley, both running for District 5 supervisor; Brian Michael Lindner, the Republican running for District 3 justice court judge; William Ford, the Democrat running for District 1 constable; and both candidates — Democrat Ronald Hannah and Republican James Lindsey — running for District 3 constable.
Candidates in state and local races must file periodic campaign finance reports and itemize contributions or expenditures of $200 or greater. The most recent reports due Tuesday covered the period between Oct. 1 and 29.
Tax assessor/collector
Republican John Montgomery reported only a $200 donation from Little London Properties for the period, along with $2,320.71 in spending.
Overall, his campaign has raised $10,709 and spent $9,467.51, leaving him with $1,241.49 on hand.
Democrat JoHelen Walker raised $3,477.65 for the period, including $500 from Uplifting Properties, $300 each from Bethel Baptist Church, George Sills and Justin Lindley, and $2,077.65 from various donors at a fundraiser.
She reported spending $4,440.72 for the period. During the previous period (July 1-Sept. 30), she only reported $250 in donations, along with $2,307.22 in overall spending.
Sheriff
Republican Shank Phelps reported $700 in non-itemized donations for the period, along with $11,060.77 in spending.
Overall, Phelps has collected $30,040 and spent $27,396.33, leaving him with $2,643.67 on hand.
Other races
For District 1 supervisor, Republican Ben Carver reported a $300 donation from the Oktibbeha County Republican Party for the period.
Overall, he has raised $6,510, spent $6,242 spent and has $268 on hand.
District 3 justice court judge incumbent Marty Haug, a Democrat, reported $2,554.78 in fundraising for the period, with $1,000 from Marsha Williams and the rest self-funded. He spent $2,625.78. Overall, Haug has raised $8,699, spent $5,849.46 and has $2,849.84 on hand.
Kenneth Watkins, Republican candidate for District 1 constable, reported no fundraising and $192.60 spent. Overall, he’s raised $5,570, spent $5,352.25 and has $217.75 on hand.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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