It’s time to take a look at some campaign finance reports for several local candidates. Often, these reports can give an indication of how serious someone is about running for election, or reelection. They also tell you who is supporting them for office.
First we take a look at Louisiana House District 13’s Jim Fannin. He is term-limited for his house seat, but is widely expected to run for the Senate District 35 seat now held by Bob Kostelka, who is also term limited.
Fannin’s war chest is $337,560.69, as of 12/31/13. That’s quite a bit of BOO if you want to scare someone away from running against you.
There had been speculation that House District 14’s Jay Morris might also run for the senate seat, but after his disastrous sixth-place finish in last fall’s special election for Fifth District U. S. Congress, he’ll be lucky to get reelected in his state house seat.
Campaign Finance Report 2013 – James Fannin
Lincoln Parish Sheriff Mike Stone’s campaign finances are another matter. At the end of last year, he had but $10,299.09 on hand, and reported no contributions during 2013. If he chooses to run for reelection next year, and a serious opponent shows up, then there’s not much time left for fundraising.
Stone hasn’t had a serious opponent since he was first elected in 2003. That year, he spent about $80,000 on his campaign.
Campaign Finance Report 2013 – Mike Stone
In serious trouble, from a campaign finance standpoint, is Second Judicial (Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson Parishes) District Attorney Jonathan Stewart.
Last year, we had reported that Stewart’s campaign had outstanding loans of about $120,000, money that he personally lent to his campaign. This year’s report shows those loans have not been repaid, nor were any contributions received.
Stewart already has two opponents, if he chooses to run for reelection this November.
Homer attorney, and former Assistant District Attorney Danny Newell is campaigning, as is Jonesboro attorney Clay Carroll. Newell has raised $6,600 and spent about $1,800. Carroll has not filed any reports so far.
Chris Bowman, who ran a well-financed campaign in 2008, reportedly is undecided whether he will run again this fall.
Stewart spent just over $200 thousand on his 2008 race.
Campaign Finance Report 2013 – Jonathan Stewart
Campaign Finance Report 2013 – Danny Newell
Incumbent Fourth Judicial (Morehouse, Ouachita Parishes) District Attorney Jerry Jones, who says he’s running for reelection, has some money on hand, about $25 thousand. But that kind of money won’t last long in an area where TV and newspaper advertising can eat up hundreds of thousands very quickly.
Campaign Finance Report 2013 – Jerry Jones