September 10, 2008 10:22 pm
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By Susan Redden
sredden@joplinglobe.com
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Candidates spent a combined $125,000 running for Jasper County offices in the August primary election.
The total reflects campaign spending by 14 candidates in four contested races, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission. The reports also noted that a number of candidates spent a significant share of their own money in the election, which determined the final winner in all but one race.
The winners of the Republican primaries are virtually assured of election in November except for one position. In the race for county coroner, GOP primary winner Rob Chappel will face Democrat J.D. Love in November.
According to reports on file with the state, among the biggest spenders were candidates for Eastern District associate commissioner. Jim Honey, the incumbent and winner of the race, spent $25,506. Craig Putnam spent $28,038, and Blane Mitchell spent $7,834.
Honey reported total receipts of $23,300, with contributions of $325 each in the final reporting period coming from Railroad Salvage and Restoration, and Jackson Truck Construction, both of Joplin. He also reported loans he made to his campaign totaling $9,600 and listed $7,520 in outstanding debts to himself at the end of the reporting period.
Putnam reported total contributions of $29,369, including donations of $150 each made in the final reporting period from Roger Hines, Asbury; Brian Jordon, Darrel Deal and Black Cat Trucking, all of Joplin; and Atlas Warehouse LLC, Duenweg.
Putnam reported that he lent his campaign $22,500, which was listed as a debt at the end of the period.
No contributions were reported by Mitchell, who said all the money he spent on the campaign was his own.
In the three-way race for public administrator, Rita Hunter spent $26,008, Angie Casavecchia Ashens $9,635 and Monty Morgan $3,962.50.
Reports filed by Ashens, the winner, showed that she ended with an unspent balance with contributions of $10,737, including a $1,450 loan she made to her campaign that was repaid after the election. Contributions not previously reported were listed from Mary Arnold, $500; Walter Graham, $500; Larry Black, $400; Ed Hershewe, $675; and Alison Hershewe, $675, all of Joplin; and Erin Epperson, $200, and Carol Dvorack, $150, both of Webb City.
Hunter, the incumbent, reported total contributions of $31,525, including $10,000 in loans she made to her campaign that were repaid at the end of the period.
Contributions not reported previously included $5,800 from the 127th Legislative Committee; $600 from the Good Government Committee, St. Charles; and $675 each from the 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th legislative committees and the 23rd Senatorial District Committee, all based in St. Charles.
Hunter’s husband, Steve Hunter, is a state representative from the 127th District.
Morgan reported collections of $3,975, all his own money.
At least $30,000 was spent among five candidates seeking the open seat of county assessor.
Connie Alumbaugh-Hoover, the winner, reported expenditures of $8,561. Other candidates were Gary Allison, $6,330; Brent Hensley, $7,598; Jeff Hammons, $4,841; Danny Drake, $1,100; and Larry Carsten, $723.
Alumbaugh-Hoover reported donations of $8,575, including loans of $3,420 she made to her campaign.
Allison showed contributions of $10,330, including $7,000 of his own money, which was listed as an outstanding debt.
Hensley reported receipts of $7,682 and noted that the $64 remaining in his campaign account had been donated to the American Red Cross.
Expenditures by Drake and Carsten were their own money, according to the reports. Hammons’ report reflected expenditures before the election; his 30-day report was not listed on the state Web site.
Two candidates for county coroner filed spending reports. Chappel, the winner, noted spending of $3,877, and Scott Keatts reported $2,519. Both candidates reported spending their own funds. Chappel’s report for 30 days after the election was not on the Ethics Commission Web site.
Reporting
Reports that candidates were required to file 30 days after the election were due Sept. 4, and candidates who missed the deadline will be charged late fees of $10 per day, up to $3,000, according to Joe Carroll, director of finance with the Missouri Ethics Commission. In addition, successful candidates cannot take office until all campaign reports are filed, he said.
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