Campaign war chests filling up

The future date of the Texas primaries may still be unknown, but one thing is certain: Joe Commander has raised more money for his election campaign than every other local candidate.

Combined.

Vying for the Republican nomination against incumbent Sheriff Mark Donaldson for Ector County Sheriff, Commander’s campaign finance report states he raised $149,633.76 between July 1 and Dec. 31 and easily outperformed every other candidate running for all other offices. Donations of $50 or less to his campaign only accounted for $630.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” Commander said.

So far, Commander has spent $15,191.08 for the filing fees, advertisements and campaign signs. Looking around town, there are only a handful of red, white, and blue “Vote Commander” signs, but Commander said he’s been making new signs to place around town and campaigning when he can. Reports state Commander received his first donation July 21 and raised more money consistently until Dec. 1.

Ector County Elections Administrator Mitzi Scheible said she has never seen a candidate raise that much money.

“I have been here for 22 years, and I don't recall anyone having that high amount,” Scheible said in an email.

Out of all the money raised, $50,000 of Commander’s contributions have come from four people who list their home address in Midland, including one $25,000 donation from Roger Turner of Diamond Tank Rental Inc.

“Those individuals … would like a change over here because they have businesses in the county and they’re not getting the proper coverage they believe they deserve,” Commander, who an investigator for the Ector County District Attorney’s Office, said.

Donaldson, the incumbent, cites early campaigning and fundraising on Commander’s part as his reason for the big gains in his contributions.

“I started early like he did and started contacting people and getting funds raised,” Donaldson said pointing to his own inaugural campaign in 2000 where records state he raised $39,039.

Donaldson said he is now getting out and contacting donors.

“I may not be getting the big amounts of money he is, but I’ve got a lot of people who are giving,” Donaldson said. “I’ll take a whole lot of people who can vote in Ector County any day.”

The total amount of money raised this year is remarkably different than Commander’s last run at sheriff back in 2000. According to county records, the then narcotics investigator for the Ector County Sheriff’s Office raised $20,339.49 before the primaries.

Facing off between four other men that year, Commander came in third during the primaries — gaining only 11.98 percent of the vote — and lost to Donaldson who has held the office since. Carl Rogers came second with 31.71 percent in the primary race that required a runoff vote.

Winning the Republican nomination, Donaldson then went on to defeat Democratic incumbent Sheriff Reggie Yearwood in the general election.

Donaldson had raised $3,500.72 between July 1 and Dec. 31, but he has had slow fundraising starts in the past. The last time Donaldson had an opponent, back in 2004, he raised $2,100 between July 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2003. Then, between Jan. 1, 2004 and Feb. 29, he raised $29,392.

The race for Ector County Attorney, while on a smaller scale, is also being contested between incumbent Cindy Weir-Nutter and Scott Layh, the sexual-assault prosecutor with the Ector County District Attorney’s Office.

Both challengers seek the Republican nomination.

Weir-Nutter’s total contributions were listed as $25,065, with $1,617 coming from amounts of $50 or less. Layh raised $44,423, records state, with a $25,000 contribution from Joyce Fisher and $3,238 coming from $50 or less.

“It was different last time because I didn’t have an official job; well, I had my private practice, but I could campaign and go door to door,” Weir-Nutter said. “I’m doing the campaigning as much as I can.”

Layh, though having the advantage in donations, said he did not have the name recognition that Nutter has.

“I’m willing to speak at any and every event that will let me speak,” Layh said.

In other contested races, Ector County Tax Assessor-Collector Barbara Horn’s finance report states she has not raised or spent any money. Horn’s challenger, Michelle Baughman, also has not raised any funds, but has spent $2,250 on her campaign.

On the Democratic side, Steve Tercero and Ernest Salgado are both seeking the nomination for Ector County Commissioner Precinct 3.

Reports state Salgado has not raised nor spent any money in the election, and Tercero has raised $1,050 and only spent the $750 filing fee.

The race for Ector County Sheriff:

• Term: 4 years
• Salary: $68,711
• There is no one running in the Democratic primary so the winner of the primary will be the Ector County Sheriff.
• When is the election? Who knows? The fight over redistricting first pushed the primary from March 6 to April 3 but the date is not set in stone because the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the interim maps drawn up by a federal court in San Antonio.

@OAgovernment

The following are campaign contributions and expenditures by local candidates:

ECTOR COUNTY SHERIFF (REPUBLICAN)
Mark Donaldson
CONTRIBUTIONS

• $50 and more: David and Deborah Johnson, $50; Thomas Rodman, $1,000; Lee and Tommie Robinson, $750; Andy and Sandy Rowe, $510; Buzz Hurt, $100; Kathy Cox, $100; David L. Bright, $100; Bob and Debbie Miller, Midland, $100; Doug and Virginia Chisum, $100; Gary and Laurie Johnson, $250.72.
• Less than $50: $440.

Total: $3,500.72.

Expenditures

• $50 or more: Ector County Republican Party, fees, $750; Corely Paper & Box Co., sand bags, $95.34; Cottons Studio, printing, $752.24.
• Less than $50: $0.

Total: $1,597.58


Joe Commander
Contributions

• $50 or more: Butch and Carrie Gilliam, $5,000; Jenna Peitchinsky, $500; J. Roderick Price, $100; Elaine Jonston, $5,000; David Johnston, $5,000; John Cliff, $100; Wesley Farris, $5,000; Mark Valdez, $500; Roger Turner, Midland, $25,000; Calvin and Suzann Smith, Penwell, $500; Edward Sotel, $100; Edward G. Sotelo, $100; Olga Sotelo, $100; Luis Sotelo, $100; Alicia Sotelo, $100; Jose J. Sotelo, $100; Armida Pina, $100; Marion Pina, $100; Braulio Sotelo, $100; Arcelia Sotelo, $100; Michael and Dana Ashton, $5,000; Mike and Jo Forrest, $2,000; Taylor and Heather Grimes, $5,000; Toby Matthews, $10,000; Michael and Karen Hamilton, Midland, $10,000; John and Leslie Sparkman, $500; Ronald Rains, $1,000; Brandon Swinney, $1,000; Mary Torres, $2,000; Bob and Debra Fair, Midland, $5,000; Jimmy and Connie Bridges, $5,000; Mike and Leisa Bridges, $5,000; Clint Fletcher and Olan Maney, $600; Jack Wood, $5,000; Race and Shawna Ritchie, $750; Kelton and Janis Smith, $1,500; Ronnie and Ann Self, $1,000; Leroy McGuire, $2,000; Bobby Williams, $2,500; Mary M. Goodson, $1,000; Steve and Lisa Hill, $500; Herbert Graham, $5,000; Jay and Bessie Parker Doelling, $5,000; Tommy and Cindy Ward, $500; Don and Kristie Nuckols, $500; Vicki Sisco and Treva Fianagan, $250; Jay and Tami Young, $1,000; Zela Rives, $500;Dennis and Sue Craig, $100; Dennis and Sue Craig, $1,000; Michael and Karen Hamilton, Midland, $10,000; Mark Waters, $1,000; Robert “Bob” and Brenda Collis, $2,500; Joel R. and Pamela J. Price, $100; Ronnie Johnson, $100; Vern Foreman, $100; Charlotte Foreman, $100; Joyce Fisher, $6,000; Lindsey Stone, welding, $1,203.76.
• Less than $50: $630.

Total: $149,633.76.

Expenditures

• $50 or more: Lindsey Stone, fabricate campaign signs, $3,055; Pixie’s Party Express, advertising/cards, $374.72; CVA Advertising & Marketing, advertising, $11,011.36; Ector County Republican Party, filing fee, $750.
• Less than $50: $0.
• Total: $15,191.08.

ECTOR COUNTY ATTORNEY (REPUBLICAN)
Cindy R. Weir-Nutter
Contributions

• $50 or more: Dr. Charles and Melanie Lively, $50; Chester and Judy Bussell, $250; Lawrence Barber, $500; John and Sue Weir, $200; Herbert Graham, $1,000; SIrisha Neerukonda, $50; Steve Brannan, P.C., $200; Garion and Lorri Brunson, $100; Mike and Shelley Pool, $200; Joe Cook, $250; Childs, Bishop and White P.C., $100; Kurt and Robin Shinn, $50; Cal and Amy Hendrick, $250; Jim and Connie Monk, $200; Jane Seabolt, $50; Janie Long, Hedley, $100; Ann McGuire, $1,000; Lavon Darville, $50; Guy and Pat Johnson, $100; Willie and Becky Hill, $50; Kevin and Debbie Coombes, $100; Jim Snodderly, $100; Kenneth Laird, $100; Judy DeRiso, $500; T.W. and Geneva Hooton, $100; Eula and Marshall Huffman, $50; Homer and Cindy Daniels, $250; Dennis and Debbie Clay, $500; Marjorie Bradley, $100; Shirley West, $55; W.R. “Bro” and Mary Hill, $250; Nell Waldrop, $100; Tom Morgan, Midland, $100; Matt Thomas, $100; Terry and Julie Hubele, $500; James and Mary Low Headlee, $100; Doug and Vaughn Peacock, $100; Randy and Kim Tucker, $100; Gene and Sue Kirby, $300; Jerry and Lynda Creech, $500; Gino Sollo, $100; David Perry, metal sign stands, $2,500; Tomas E> Rodman, $1,000; Bob Duree, $250; Virgil and Joyce Trower, $100; R.N. and Helga Hillin, $100; Shan and Telene Johnson, $300; Larry and Patsy Allen, $100; Jerry and Lynda Creech, $250; Freda White, $100; Winston and Susan Kenworthy, $200; Weldon and Betty Chaney, $250; Keith and Mary Yarbrough, $100; Florene Miller, $75; Paul Miller and Hazel Mauldin, $75; Larry and Patsy Allen, $100; Tom and Ann Tilley, $100; Carolyn Cronk, $50; Jean Drugan, $50; Norma and Roy Smotherman, $500; Dana Ritter, $100; Joy and Nigel Cowan, $60; Feliz Abalos, $50; Gene and Patsy Fisher, $50; Eric and Robin Johnson, $50; Bob and Sherry Garcia, $100; Edward and Kim Barcena, $250; Larry and Patsy Allen, $1,000; Jerry and Linda Creech, $500; Charles and Mary Carlson, $100; Betty Dale, $200; David and Donna Duree, $50; Gail Etheredge-Woods, $100; Robert and Anita Absher, $150; Allen and Shelly Moore, $500; Bill Weir, Midland, $50; Thomas E. Rodman, $1,000; John and Doris Mason, $250; Bob and Sally Sanford, $200; Ramona Adame, $500; Jean Conaway, $100; John and Monica Windham, $100; Scott and Carolyn McCarthy, $100; Cleo and Bobby Martin, $50; Max and Tamry Brown, $50; David P. Zavoda, $250; Jean Heggemeir, $50; Dick and Nell Waddell, $100; Cathy George, $100; Dr. and Liz Shelton, $200; Jane Hext, $300; Janet and Lonnie Lawrence, $250; Don and Priscilla Hallark, $300; J.D. and Janie Cotton, $100; Kevin and Marcia Slater, $100; William Wier, $1,500.
• Less than $50: $1,817.

Total: $25,782.

Expenditures

• $50 or more: Staples, stationery, $140.18; Staples, stationery, $155.87; USPO, postage, $128; Vista Print, calendars, $433.91; USPO, postage, $264; Ector County Republicans, filing fees, $750; Hobby Lobby, stationery and supplies, $73.60; Cutting Edge Advertising, emery boards, $795.64; USPO, postage, $384; USPO, $128; Staples, stationery, $275.37; Staples, stationery, $199.57; USPO, $308; Vista Print, calendars, $269.99; Staples, stationery, $244.44; Stout Images, pens, $400; White Pool House, barn rental, $225; USPO, $432; Vernons, signs, $4,000; Sams, supplies, $259.71; Walmart, supplies, $12,222; Larry’s Specialty Meats, food, $117.06; L’Oven Bakery, cake, $110; Staples, stationery, $104.28; USPO, $132; Vernon, balbons, $344.51; Staples, stationery, $139.72; USPO, $132; Build A Sign, signs/cards/banners, $290.08; Stout Images, pens, $500; RISE, ad, $50; A&F Welding, heilium, $145.80; White-Pool House, event, $150; Elections Office, Voter CD, $50.
• Less than $50: $64.30.

Total: $12,319.25.

Michael ‘Scott’ Layh
Contributions

• $50 and more: Joyce Fisher, $25,000; Taylor Grimes, $1,000; Don Wood, $1,000; Michael Ashton, $1,000; Randy and Carrie Blakely, $1,000; Butch and Carrie Gillham, $1,000; Brad and Amy Ward, $500; Randy and Carrie Blakely, $500; Nick Fowler, $500; Darrell and Cherie Corzine, $500; Dr. Abdul Kadir, $500; Frank Deaderick, $300; Bill and Nancy Eggar, $250; Randy and Deana Glenn, $250; Cindy Fowler, $250; Jack Wood, $250; Mark Darville, $200; Dr. Jimmy Goates, $100; Robert White, $100; Brandon and Ashli Tate, $100; Dick and Iola Gillham, $100; Dick and Iola Gillham, $100: Danny and Ann Dunaway, $100; Omer Bishop, $100; Tommy and Shirley Shapiro, $50; Johnathon Cranfill, $100; Dr. John Mark Weaver, $250; Truman Warren, $150; Gladys Simpson, $250; David Simpson, $250; Martha Moore, $100; Gary and Lori Johnson, $150; Ann Moore, $50; Adam and Trena Doyle, $150; Leldon and Cherie Hensley, $100; Adam and Kelly Allgood, $100; Mike and Mary Layh, $3,000; Javier and Jo ann Joven, $100; David R. Nichols, $100; Chuck Selinger, $50; Ken and Peggy Dean, $250; Heather Kirk, (monogram shirts), $100; Westair Gas and Equipment, (loan-use of helium tank), $600; Cotton Hayes-Cotton’s Studio, (loan-art design, artwork, bumper stickers, sign designs), $500; John Bushman, $1,000; Michael Scott Layh, (loan-personal money), $400.
• Less than $50: $85.

Total: $42,585.

Expenditures

• $50 or more: Jersey Girl Pizza, food for meeting, $60; Abuelo’s Store #603, food for meeting, $52; Johnnie’s, gift for hostess, $54.11; Staples, yard sign labels, $66.56; USPS Northeast Station, postage, $88; Staples, ink cartridges, $54.10; USPS-MPO, postage, $89.92; University Bridals and Formals, tux rental, $119.08; University Bridal and Formals, tux rental, $102.84; Johnson Miller, fundraiser tickets, $1,400; Zip Printing, business cards, $100; Microsoft Office, office software for PowerPoint, $129.85; Permian Basin Rehab, fundraiser tickets, $350; Speedy Signs USA, yard signs, $3,514.94; Vista Print, party invitations, $615.25; Julie Macias, photography, $125; Mary Grace Longno, photography, $125; ID Builders, balloons, $665.99; American Stationary, invitations, $135.15; Rise, advert fee for program, $125; Kel Seliger Campaign, $100; Photo Affections, Christmas cards, $101.60; Photo Affections, Christmas cards, $130.80; Kelly Morgan Law Firm, postage, $479.60; Vista Print, party invitations, $55.48; HEB, dinner for meeting, $65.11; Superb Internet Invoice, internet website for campaign, $76.37; Staples, letterhead, $106.52; Republican Party-State of Texas Elections, filing fee, $750; Academy, shirts, $92.64; Dillard’s, shirts, $174.55; Odessa Crimestoppers, fundraiser/advert. Golf tournament, $159; Amsterdam Print, pens, $968.45; Staples, letterhead, $159.13; Cotton’s Signs, $1,300; Michael Scott Layh, $400; Michael Scott Layh, $5,500.
• Less than $50: $686.17.

Total: $19,218.21.