Asa Hutchinson had slightly more than $2 million in his campaign treasury for his re-election bid as of the end of December, the Republican governor reported Tuesday.
Tuesday was the deadline for candidates for state offices to file campaign-finance reports for the Oct. 1-Dec. 31 quarter with the secretary of state's office or to have the reports postmarked. Some other candidates also filed reports.
Hutchinson, who this year is seeking his second four-year term, reported raising $621,866.55 in campaign contributions and spending $152,692.38 last quarter.
He started the quarter with $1.55 million and ended it with $2.02 million in the bank, according to his campaign.
Hutchinson announced his re-election bid in May. He held a fundraiser at the Capital Hotel in January before the 2017 regular legislative session.
In comparison, his predecessor, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe, didn't file a campaign-finance report in January 2010. That month, Beebe announced his bid for re-election and started fundraising.
Hutchinson campaign spokesman Jamie Barker said Tuesday that "the momentum around the governor's campaign continues to grow.
"We are delighted to continue talking to Arkansans about the consistent conservatism of lower taxes, government efficiency and private sector job growth," Barker said in a written statement.
Hutchinson's contribution total far exceeds those of other announced candidates in the race.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Henderson of Little Rock started fundraising after announcing Dec. 12.
Henderson campaign manager Hannah McCollester said that "in the three-week period that followed, Henderson's campaign hauls totaled $131,478 and ended the year with $128,779 cash on hand."
"Since the secretary of state's office was closed today due to inclement weather, Henderson's fundraising report will be officially filed when the office reopens on Wednesday," McCollester said Tuesday in the written statement.
Act 318 of 2017 requires candidates for state offices to use the secretary of state's upgraded electronic filing system in most circumstances, starting Oct. 1, and it has complicated the filing of reports. For example, so far, candidates are filing a combined report for the primary and general elections instead of separate reports.
Henderson said that "as unfortunate as it is that money -- not ideas and people -- seems to dominate the focus of politics nowadays, I know running the aggressive, people-first campaign Arkansas deserves requires funds.
"Right now, we're laying the groundwork for a rigorous, hardworking statewide campaign that will listen to, work with, and stand up for all Arkansans," he said in a written statement.
Republican candidate Jan Morgan of Hot Springs announced her bid on Dec. 31, after forming an exploratory committee in mid-October. At the end of November, her exploratory committee reported raising $14,094 and spending $1,885.60 in the period of Oct. 13-31, leaving $12,208.40. Her campaign couldn't be reached for comment by telephone or email on Tuesday afternoon regarding her fundraising and expenses since then.
Libertarian candidate Mark West of Batesville said he's not raised or spent enough money to be required to file a report yet. Candidates are required to begin filing reports after they raise or spend more than $500 under state law.
"As I've said, most of our donors will not contribute until after the nominating convention," West wrote in an email.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Republican incumbent Tim Griffin of Little Rock reported raising $146,955 in contributions, earning $199.82 in interest and spending $22,083.76 last quarter. He started the quarter with $282,164.57 in the bank and ended it with $407,235.63.
Zachary Randall, a Democrat from North Little Rock who formed a committee in July to explore running for lieutenant governor, said Tuesday that he's decided not to run this year because of family and work considerations.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Republican incumbent Leslie Rutledge of Maumelle reported raising $100,525.45 in contributions, earning $83.70 in interest and spending $23,077.63 last quarter. She started the quarter with $293,161.51 in her campaign treasury and ended it with $370,693.03 in the bank.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Republican candidate Trevor Drown, a state representative from Dover, reported raising $26,250 in contributions and spending $1,364.09 last quarter. He started the quarter with $23,331.04 in the bank and ended it with $48,216.95.
A report for Republican candidate John Thurston of East End, who is now the state land commissioner, for last quarter wasn't available on the secretary of state's website as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Democratic candidate Susan Inman of Little Rock reported raising $9,415 in contributions and spending $8,001.65 last quarter. She started the quarter with a campaign balance of $27,971.10 and ended it $29,384.45.
Democrat Anthony Bland of Little Rock reported raising $900 in contributions and spending nothing last quarter. He started the quarter with a campaign balance of $250 and ended it with $1,150.
Republican incumbent Mark Martin of Prairie Grove is barred from seeking re-election under the state's term-limits amendment.
LAND COMMISSIONER
Bryant Republican Alex Ray reported raising $5,175 in contributions and spending $842.26 last quarter. He started the quarter with a balance of $17,307.57 and ended it with $21,640.11.
Heber Springs Republican Tommy Land reported raising $4,246 and spending $532.79 last quarter. He started the quarter with $16,938.08 in the bank and ended it with $20,651.29 in the bank.
Hot Springs Democrat Larry Williams reported raising $2,000 and spending $93.08 last quarter, leaving $1,906.92 in the bank as of Dec. 31.
A report for Sheridan Democrat Shaun Hubanks wasn't available on the secretary of state's website as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Thurston, the current land commissioner, is barred from seeking re-election under the term-limits amendment.
TREASURER
Republican incumbent Dennis Milligan of Benton reported raising $4,750 in contributions and spending $3,065.12 last quarter. He started the quarter with $11,147.25 in the bank and ended it with $12,832.30.
AUDITOR
Republican incumbent Andrea Lea of Russellville reported that she raised and spent no money last quarter. She started and ended the quarter with a campaign balance of $10,874.09.
Metro on 01/17/2018