With less than three weeks until the August primary, it’s become clear who the big spenders are in the races for Franklin County Commission.
Tim Baker, Robertsville, a candidate for first district commissioner, reported spending over $16,000 during the most recent quarter which closed June 30.
Candidates are required to file reports on their campaign spending with the Missouri Ethics Commission by July 16 or face fines.
Baker reported $14,231.62 in monetary receipts, including $2,000 from Baker Ice in April and June.
Baker sold the family-owned business earlier this year.
He also reported about $6,500 in donations from himself and his wife, Deborah.
Baker’s campaign reported contributions from a number of Pacific elected officials including Mayor Herb Adams, Matt Mansell, chief of police, and Kenneth Prichard, assistant fire chief.
Several officials with Bank Star, Pacific, also contributed to Baker’s campaign.
Another challenger in the race, Tim Brinker, Washington, reported $6,400 in spending and $9,500 in receipts during the same period.
The majority of his expenses — almost $4,700 — were to his own company, Brinker Promotions, for campaign signs.
Incumbent Terry Wilson, Washington, reported $5,719 in receipts, including a $2,000 loan from himself, during the latest quarter with $3,032 in disbursements.
Ron Keeven, New Haven, reported $1,559 in receipts including a $1,000 loan from himself, and $1,109 in expenditures.
All four of the men are running in the August Republican primary. There is no Democrat running for the position.
Second District
In the race for second district commissioner, Gary Young, Union, appears to have the deepest pockets.
Young reported $13,447 in receipts for the period, including $7,000 in loans, and $5,866 in expenditures.
One of the largest sources of donations came from a barbecue held June 23 at Windemere Farms, Union.
Ted Diez, Union, reported $3,130 in receipts and $3,017 in expenditures. All but $100 of those donations came from himself.
Mark Falloon, Sullivan, reported $1,025 in receipts and $193 in expenditures for the quarter.
Jerry Landing, Sullivan, has not formed a campaign committee for the August election.
Michael Schatz, Sullivan, reported $3,150 in receipts and $2,529 in expenditures for the period.
The only Democrat in the race, Teresa Connelly, reported $2,553 in receipts for the period and $3,304 in expenditures. Her campaign included $2,000 in loans from herself and her husband.
