David Dunfield ranked sixth among 12 candidates when it came to raising money during the primary campaign for Lawrence City Commission.
But new campaign-finance disclosures Monday show that since the Feb. 27 primary, the incumbent commissioner has raised and spent more than any other candidate.
"I guess you could attribute part of it to a slow start," Dunfield said.
He raised $7,723 between Feb. 16 and March 22. The second-leading fund-raiser during the reporting period was incumbent Commissioner Marty Kennedy, with $4,360.
Dunfield spent $7,872 during the period, barely edging challengers Sue Hack and Kennedy, who spent $7,633 and $7,580 respectively.
Incumbent Commissioner Erv Hodges raised $3,935 during the reporting period, and spent $5,636. Challenger Scott Bailey brought up the rear in both fund raising ($2,795) and spending ($840).
Candidate Adam Mansfield, who signed an affidavit at the campaign's start saying he wouldn't raise or spend more than $500, was not required to file a finance report.
School board candidates are not required to disclose finances until after the election.
Dunfield said he hoped his surge would translate into votes.
"I think the results of the primary surprised some people and got some people focused on the election who weren't yet," he said.
The main reason for his low reported spending, Bailey said, is because his campaign saved what money it had for a late advertising push, after the reporting deadline.
"I'm sure we'll spend everything we have," he said. "I guess we definitely qualify as the underdog."
Combined primary and general election fund raising and spending so far reported:
- Hodges raised $14,880 and spent $12,383.
- Kennedy raised $12,330 and spent $11,416.
- Hack raised $11,965 and spent $11,972, eating into the $50 she had in her account at the beginning of the campaign.
- Dunfield raised $10,817 and spent $8,358.
- Bailey raised $6,349 and spent $4,249.
The hopefuls spent their money similarly: on yard signs, brochures and media advertising.
Kennedy said the amount of money spent on the campaign is "amazing," but noted he held spending to about the levels of his successful 1997 campaign.
"What with inflation and the costs of services going up, I'm pleased we were able to hold the line," he said.
Final campaign finance reports will be due Jan. 10, 2002. The deadline to advance vote is noon Monday. Election Day is April 3. The top three vote-getters will take seats on the commission.
-- Staff writer Joel Mathis can be reached at 832-7126.
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