Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson raised more money than Democratic candidate Mike Ross for the second month in a row in February, but he still has less money in the bank, according to campaign finance reports filed Monday.
Most candidates for a state constitutional office filed the reports, which detailed campaign contributions and expenses for February.
Hutchinson, a former 3rd District U.S. congressman, reported raising $167,262 - about $26,700 more than Ross - and spending $139,221. That boosted his total contributions to $1.85 million and expenditures to $592,230, leaving $1.32 million.
Ross, a former 4th District U.S. congressman, reported raising $140,558 and spending $103,295. Ross reported total contributions of $3.82 million and expenditures of $1.86 million, leaving $1.97 million.
Hutchinson campaign manager Jon Gilmore said in a statement that the campaign was continuing to build momentum.
“February was a great month for us and we aregrateful for those who have chosen to invest in our campaign,” Gilmore said.
Dustin Smith, Ross’ deputy campaign manager for finance, said in a statement that Ross has “surged ahead in recent polling.”
“We are hitting our fundraising goals, and we remain on track to building the largest, most effective grassroots campaign in state history,” Smith said.
Hutchinson and Curtis Coleman, a Little Rock businessman, are the only Republicans who have filed for the governor’s race.
Coleman reported raising $33,507 and spending $35,009. Since entering the race, he has raised $397,371 and spent $434,804 with $41,426 in loans, leaving $3,994.
A report for Lynette Bryant, a Little Rock substitute teacher and the only other Democrat who has filed for the seat, was not available Monday afternoon.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Democratic candidate John Burkhalter of Little Rock reported raising $34,795 and spending $30,990. His total contributions increased to $718,197 and expenditures to $340,663, and his total loans remained at $55,000, leaving$432,537 on hand.
Republican 2nd District U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, who announced he was entering the race Feb. 12, reported raising $203,549 and spending $20,856, leaving $182,693.
State Rep. Andy Mayberry, R-East End, reported $1,575 in contributions, $13,150 in expenses and a personal loan of $3,000. He listed total contributions of $15,210, expenditures of $18,058 and personal loans of $3,048, leaving $150.
An updated report for state Rep. Debra Hobbs, R-Rogers, was not available Monday afternoon.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
State Rep. Nate Steel, D-Nashville, reported $47,045 in contributions and spending $28,912. That boosted his total contributions to $261,863 and spending to $141,649, with total loans remaining at $100,000, leaving $220,464.
Republican candidate David Sterling of Little Rock reported raising $12,039, spending $17,779 and a personal loan of $826.
Overall, he has raised $155,893 and spent $39,052 with loans of $9,702, leaving $108,764.
Republican candidate Leslie Rutledge reported raising $19,640 and spending $17,047.
Thus far, she has raised $178,354 and spent $56,518 with loans of $2,900, leaving $124,734.
A report for Republican candidate Patricia Nation of Jacksonville was not available Monday afternoon.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Democratic candidate Susan Inman of Little Rock reported raising $4,275 and spending $6,617. Inman’s total contributions increased to $31,231 and spending to $24,157, leaving $7,073.
Republican incumbent Mark Martin of Prairie Grove reported raising $1,775 and spending $12,680. Martin’s total contributions increased to $17,825 and spending to $12,747, leaving $5,077.
TREASURER
State Rep. Duncan Baird,R-Lowell, reported $710 in contributions and $8,174 in expenses.
He listed total contributions of $44,696, expenditures of $16,337 and personal loans of $11,166, leaving $39,525.
Fellow Republican Dennis Milligan of Benton reported raising $1,225 and spending $10,893, boosting his total contributions to $75,825 and expenditures to $58,045, with total loans remaining at $43,182, leaving $60,962.
Democratic candidate Karen Garcia of Hot Springs reported raising $8,755 and spending $6,000.
Garcia also reported personal loans totaling $1,296, leaving $4,051 in the bank.
AUDITOR
State Rep. Andrea Lea, R-Russellville, reported no new contributions and spending $7,500.
Lea listed total contributions of $34,373, expenditures of $13,186 and personal loans of $25,000, leaving $46,286.
Republican candidate Ken Yang of Benton reported raising $3,079 and spending $7,539. He listed total contributions of $32,284, expenditures of $16,414 and loans of $21,262, leaving $36,631.
Democratic candidate Regina Hampton of Little Rock reported raising $1,606 and spending $680.
Hampton listed total contributions of $22,900, expenditures of $19,008 and loans of $33,141, leaving $45,044.
LAND COMMISSIONER
Republican incumbent John Thurston of Little Rock reported raising $4,750 and spending $7,530, boosting total contributions to $11,440 and expenditures to $10,850, leaving $590.
A report for Democratic candidate Mark Robertson of Little Rock was not available Monday afternoon.
Arkansas, Pages 9 on 03/18/2014