Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson raised nearly twice as much in January as the sole Democrat running for the job but still has less money in the bank, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.
Hutchinson, a former 3rd District U.S. congressman, reported $121,207 in contributions and $125,252 in expenses during the first month of the year. Hutchinson reported paying off $62,000 in personal loans, leaving $1.3 million for the campaign.
Democrat Mike Ross reported contributions of $61,705 and $641,207 in expenses in January, with $1.93 million in the bank.
Christian Olson, a spokesman for Hutchinson, said in an email that the campaign’s message was continuing to gain momentum.
“January’s fundraising numbers show that we are right on target with where we need to be and that we have the resources to win this race,” Olson said.
Dustin Smith, Ross’ deputy campaign manager for finance, said in a statement that the campaign was on track.
“Last month, Mike Ross for Governor raised $61,705, strategically invested in a statewide [television] ad buy, ended the month with nearly $2 million cash on hand” and leads in some polls, Smith said.
Ross, a former 4th District U.S. congressman, is the only announced Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
Hutchinson and Curtis Coleman of Little Rock are the only other Republicans running for governor after state Rep. Debra Hobbs of Rogers decided to run for lieutenant governor instead.
Coleman reported $22,039 in contributions, a personal loan of $2,162 and expenses of $28,088, leaving him with $5,496. Coleman reported $5,496 in the bank at the end of the month.
Hobbs reported raising $213 and spending $4,539, leaving $32,027.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Democratic candidate John Burkhalter of Little Rock reported raising $17,297 and spending $30,187 during the first month of the year in his pursuit of the lieutenant governor’s post. His total contributions increased to $683,402 and his spending to $309,673, and his total loans remained at $55,000, leaving $428,732 in the bank.
In the race, state Rep. Andy Mayberry, R-East End, reported $4,164 in contributions and $108 in expenses. That boosted his total contributions to $13,585 and expenditures to $4,908. He owed himself $48 and had $8,725 on hand.
State Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, reported raising $2,175 and spending $1,665, leaving $102,430. Collins announced Feb. 13 that he was bowing out of the race and seeking re-election for District 84.
Republican Congressman Tim Griffin on Feb. 12 announced he would seek the lieutenant governor’s office. He didn’t solicit contributions for the race in January.
ATTORNEY GENERAL State Rep. Nate Steel, D-Nashville, reported raising $18,725 and spending $11,462 in January for the primary election in the attorney general’s race and raising $2,000 for the general election. That increased his total contributions to $214,818 and spending to $112,736, with total loans remaining at $100,000, leaving $202,331.
Republican candidate David Sterling, a Little Rock lawyer, reported raising $13,470 and a personal loan of $58.50. Sterling reported spending $6,400, leaving $113,677 in the bank.
Republican candidate Leslie Rutledge reported raising $7,280 and spending $5,380, leaving a total of $122,143 in the bank.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Republican incumbent Mark Martin reported raising $9,300 and spending $32 in January. That boosted his contributions to $16,050 and spending to $67.97, leaving $15,982.
Democratic candidate Susan Inman reported raising $3,507 and spending $3,301. Inman’s total contributions increased to $26,956 and spending to $17,539, leaving $9,416.
TREASURER
Seeking the state treasurer’s post, state Rep. Duncan Baird, R-Lowell, reported raising $2,360 and spending $2,530 in January, with total contributions to $43,986 and expenses of $8,163. With total loans of $11,166, Baird reported $46,989 in the bank.
Fellow Republican Dennis Milligan of Benton, the Saline County circuit clerk, reported raising $600, loaning himself $20,000 and spending $1,671. That increased his total loans to $43,182, contributions to $74,600 and spending to $41,151, leaving $70,631.
AUDITOR
Auditor candidate Regina Hampton, who works in the office of Democratic incumbent Charlie Daniels, reported raising $5,235 and a personal loan of $78 in January. Hampton reported spending $1,481, leaving $43,938.
State Rep. Andrea Lea, R-Russellville, reported raising $11,925 and spending $400. Lea listed total contributions of $34,373, expenditures of $5,686 and personal loans of $25,000, leaving $53,786.
Republican candidate Ken Yang of Benton, who works for the Family Council, reported raising $500 and spending $30 in January. Yang reported total contributions of $29,204, spending of $8,874 and personal loans of $21,262, leaving $41,561.
LAND COMMISSIONER
Republican incumbent John Thurston reported raising $700 and spending nothing in January. That increased his total contributions to $6,690. Total spending remained the same at $3,320, leaving $3,369 in the bank.
Arkansas, Pages 9 on 02/20/2014