District races are getting costly

As candidates turn in their contribution reports to the Louisiana Ethics Administration Program, it is becoming more and more evident how much these elections are costing those vying for seats on Nov. 4.

On the district level, the district attorney’s race continues to not only be highly contested on airways but through the checkbook as well as both are seeing numbers hit the six digit mark.

Incumbent Mike Harson’s 30th day prior to report shows that he has spent over $222,000 this period (Jan. 1 through Sept. 25) on the election. Harson reported $221,992.65 in expenditures and $250 in other disbursements.

He brought in $69,451.09 in contributions as well as $3,004.09 of in-kind contributions. In total, Harson received over $72,000 this period. 

Harson’s campaign office reports that he began the time period with $309,056.58 on hand and ended it with $156,270.27.

Due to the election being under 20 days away. Harson’s office has filed the necessary special forms to report single-source contributions in excess of $500 for district offices. Harson received five contributions totaling $12,000 as well as two in-kind donations of $3,208.42 total.

Challenger Keith Stutes, meanwhile, began the report with $222,280.28. He received $109,075 in contributions along with $5,908 in-kind contributions for a total of nearly $115,000 received. However, he spent $151,621.77. Stutes ended the report with $179,733.51 on hand.

He has also had to file three special reports for contributions. Stutes has received $10,500 since the 30th day report was filed.

The district judge race featuring four local candidates’ funds features big money as well, however, it only has been in the five digit range.

David Smith’s contributions on the report state he received $44,550 contributions, his only money received. He reported $40,840.30 in expenditures. According to his report, Smith has $3,709.70 on hand for the final stretch of campaigning.

Jack Nickel, meanwhile, received $36,825 in contributions since January, as well as $4,527.10 of in-kind donations. Add to that, $3,000 in loans received and Nickel reported over $44,000 in moneys received.

He also logged $22,515.65 in expenditures and has $17,309.35 on hand for the remainder of the election as of the report’s file date.

Mike Goss reported $19,325 in contributions as well as $500 in in-kind contributions as well as over $25,000 in loans received, making Goss’ reported moneys received a $45,127.06. Goss reported $28,737.64 in expenditures and $15,888.39 in money remaining on hand.

Goss’ campaign office has also filed special reporting forms — four to be exact — all with contributions, all equalling $4,500.

Finally, Burleigh Doga’s contributions report showed $33,764.86 and expenditures showed $38,899.04 as well as $72 in other disbursements. His 30-day prior to primary election form showed a deficit of $5,206.18. 

Doga has also already filed his 10-day prior form with the state ethics program (which spans the time from of Sept. 26 through Oct. 15). He reported $600 in contributions, $180 in in-kind contributions and $1,841.16 in expenditures.

Leading into the final days of campaigning, Doga is in the red $6,447.34.

To view  full  campaign forms, visit http://ethics.la.gov/EthicsViewReports.aspx?Reports=CampaignFinance.