OKTIBBEHA COUNTY — Campaign contributions in the sheriff’s race are inching closer to $40,000, according to the most recent campaign finance reports.
Republican Shank Phelps easily leads the way with $29,340 so far this election season, compared to Democrat John Rice’s $9,581.40.
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 were due Tuesday.
The general election is set for Nov. 7.
For the most recent filing period, Phelps raised $8,280, including $5,000 he contributed himself. He also received $500 from Prate Montgomery and $2,740 in non-itemized donations.
Phelps has spent $16,335.56, including $3,959.52 this period, and has $13,004.44 on hand.
Rice has raised $2,625 this period, including $1,000 from Don Lee, $500 each from Kyle Tatch and Shane Varnadoe, $300 from Andy Shurden, $200 from Earthmark LLC and $125 non-itemized.
He has spent $9,172.97 year-to-date, including $2,547.75 last period, and reported $408.43 on hand.
Tax assessor/collector
Republican John Montgomery reported $9,400 in donations last period, but $9,000 came from his own pocket. He also received $400 from the Oktibbeha County Republican Party.
To date, he’s raised $10,509 for his campaign and spent $7,146.80, leaving him with $3,362.20 on hand.
Democrat Joehelen Walker reported much sparser fundraising, with only $250 in non-itemized contributions this period. She reported only $358.98 in donations to-date, with spending of $2,307.22.
Supervisor races
For District 1 supervisor, Republican Ben Carver filed a report showing no fundraising or spending last period. He shows $6,210 in donations and $6,242 in expenses year-to-date.
His opponent, Democrat Erik Young, did not file a report by the deadline.
In District 5, Republican challenger Les Lindley shows $400 in non-itemized donations along with $1,991.71 in spending. He reported $1,025.29 on hand.
Incumbent Joe Williams, a Democrat, did not file a report by the deadline.
District 3 Justice Court judge
Incumbent Democrat Marty Haug reported $2,295 in donations last period. Of that amount, $2,000 was self-funded and the rest was non-itemized.
To date, he shows $4,870 in donations and $3,223.38 in spending. Yet, his reported cash on hand is $3,842.62.
Republican challenger Brian Michael Lindner is outraising Haug, but most of his support is also self-funded.
Lindner reported $5,224 in donations, all but $1,000 coming from his own pocket. He also received $300 from the Oktibbeha County Republican Party, $200 from Allegiant LLC and $500 in non-itemized donations.
Constable races
In District 1, Republican Kenny Watkins raised $2,320 last period, including $500 from George Parnell, $400 from the Oktibbeha County Republican Party, $250 each from Andrew and Stacy George and Christi Watkins, and $920 non-itemized.
He spent $2,845.80.
Overall, he has reported $5,570 in donations and $5,159.65 in spending, with $410.35 on hand.
Democrat William Ford did not file a report by the deadline.
In District 3, Democrat Ronald Hannah filed a report showing no fundraising or spending for this period. Overall, he reported $4,226.70 in donations and $3,593.22 in spending, with $390.10 on hand.
Republican James Lindsey has reported $300 in fundraising with no spending.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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