Campaign finance

GONZALES — There’s nothing more exciting to a political wonk than poring over newly published campaign finance reports. 

To the casual fan, these documents simply show the mad amounts of cash that candidates spend to get elected. To the polished observer, the pages provide insight on who really owns a candidate along with the things they spend their money on in hopes of gaining a few more votes.

On the state and regional level, things get real interesting. But here in county politics, campaign finance reports are mostly mundane — documenting purchases of push cards and postage — the mere basics of getting one’s name out there.

But it’s fun to take a peek, regardless.

The most high profile race in Gonzales County is for sheriff. Three Republican candidates are facing off in Tuesday’s election to be the county’s top cop. If none of them get 50 percent of the vote, there will be a runoff to decide the winner.

Candidate Matthew Atkinson reported political contributions in his Jan. 15 report of $5,820 with total expenditures of $4,054.13. He had $1,772.35 cash on-hand. He reported a couple of $2,000 contributions from John Craven Jr. and Linda Cleveland of Gonzales and also from Kenneth McGinty of Luling. There was a smattering of $200 individual contributions.

Atkinson’s most recent report — filed 30 days from the election — listed total contributions of $6,200. Of that, $5,000 was given by Jimmy Elliott of Gonzales. Expenditures were mainly for campaign supplies from local print shops and an event expense of $76.05 for campaign event décor. He listed $7,226.32 cash on-hand.

The Clay Allen for Sheriff campaign lists $29,923.68 in expenditures and zero dollars in contributions. He has maintained that this will be a self-funded campaign.

Allen’s most expensive purchases were a couple of mail campaigns. On Jan. 11, $6,119.63 was spent on “1st mailout” while on Feb. 9, $9,398.85 went to “2nd mailout.” Two digital billboards in Gonzales ran $3,800 and two traditional boards in Nixon cost $2,200. The rest was spent on posters, cards, campaign caps, signs, printing supplies and a “campaign table” during the recent chamber banquet.

The final candidate for sheriff, Floyd Toliver, submitted his Jan. 15 report listing $650 in contributions, $3,188.04 in total expenditures and $530.85 cash on-hand. He also wrote himself a campaign loan of $3,068.89 on Oct. 28. Contributions listed several $200 donors and expenditures included a GOP filing fee and printed materials for his campaign.

His Feb. 1 report listed $10 in expenditures, with zero contributions and no cash on-hand.

In the race for County Commissioner, Precinct 1, the totals are a little easier to read through. Incumbent K.O. “Dell” Whiddon reported zero dollars on all areas on his Jan. 15 report. By his Feb. 1 report, he has listed $65 in expenditures.

His opponent, Stephen Pirkle, had $860 in expenditures listed on his Jan. 15 report and $348.15 on his Feb. 1 report. Those accounted for various advertising and printing bills.

For the Constable, Precinct 1 race, Leslie Pirkle topped spending on his Jan. 15 filing with $1,881.53. Costs included a $375 GOP filing fee and $1,192.53 spent at Personal Impressions for campaign signs. The rest went to Home Depot to purchase lumber for those signs and for the purchase of magnetic signs.

His opponent, Scott Rhodes, listed $1,500 in political contributions, $1,253.22 in total expenditures and $211.89 cash on-hand. Contributions came from Scott Rhodes Sr. giving $500 with several in the $100-200 range. Purchases included voter lists, advertising and $800 spent on signs at Personal Impressions.

Over in the Precinct 3 constable race, incumbent Derek Johnson lists $1,500 in contributions, $3,555.29 in expenses and a loan of $5,000. Contributors included Daniel W. Johnson of Stafford giving $1,000 and Mildred A. Selzer of Moulton kicking in $500. Expenses were a $375 GOP filing fee and $2,359.61 to Dirt Cheap Signs of Lago Vista for various campaign materials. He paid himself $3,256.87 for accounting/banking reimbursement.

His opponent Mitchell Bennett reported $944 in expenditures on his Jan. 15 report. $747.57 went to Personal Impressions listed as advertising expense.   

Candidates have only four more days to spend and receive before the election hits on Tuesday.