Ross outshines rivals in campaign-cash bid

Monday, January 20, 2014

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Ross raised nearly $94,000 more than any of his Republican challengers during the last quarter of 2013, according to campaign-finance reports filed Wednesday.

Ross, of Little Rock, a former 4th District U.S. congressman, reported $540,272 in contributions and $429,723 in expenses during the three months ending Dec. 31. Ross reported $2.5 million in the bank at the end of the year.

Asa Hutchinson, of Rogers, a Republican gubernatorial candidate and former 3rd District U.S. congressman, reported raising $446,399 in contributions and spending $150,097 during the last quarter. His total personal loans remained at $62,000, and he had $1.3 million in the bank.

Ross said in a statement that he felt “blessed by the outpouring of support we continue to receive from every corner of this state.”

“Our message of puttinggood solutions over partisan politics continues to resonate across this great state and we are beginning 2014 in a very strong position,” Ross said in the news release.

Hutchinson said that the fourth quarter of 2013 was the best fundraising quarter of his campaign.

“It shows we are gaining momentum and that Arkansans are excited about our vision for Arkansas’ future - a future of job creation, lower taxes and great educational opportunities. I’m grateful for the support that so many have given to me and my campaign for Governor,” Hutchinson said in a news release.

Ross is the only announced Democratic gubernatorial candidate, after former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter of North Little Rock left the race July 29. Ross announced he would seek his party’s gubernatorial nomination on April 17.

Hutchinson said he would seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination on Jan. 4.

For the 2014 primary election, Ross reported raising $462,972 and spending $429,723 in the last quarter of the year. His total contributions increased to $3.14 million and spending to $1.1 million, leaving $2 million in the bank.

Ross reported raising and spending nothing for the 2014 primary runoff election, leaving $35,750 in the bank.

For the 2014 general election, Ross reported raising $77,300 and spending nothing. That boosted his total contributions to $442,777, all in the bank.

For the Republican primary election, Hutchinson reported raising $362,777 and spending $150,082 between Oct. 1 and the end of the year. That increased his total contributions to $1.26 million and spending to $327,594, leaving $992.823 in the bank.

For the primary runoff election, Hutchinson reported raising $4,500 and spending nothing, leaving it all in the bank.

For the general election,Hutchinson reported raising $79,062 and spending $15, leaving $302,879 in the bank.

Republican gubernatorial candidate and businessman Curtis Coleman of Little Rock reported raising $53,002 and a personal loan of $5,409. Coleman reported spending $60,207, leaving $9,383 in the bank.

Republican candidate and state Rep. Debra Hobbs, R-Rogers, reported raising $840 and spending $10,979 during the last quarter of 2013. Her total loans remained at $50,000 and her total contributions and expenditures increased to $18,260 and $29,137, leaving $36,354 in the bank.

While she filed by Wednesday’s deadline, her report wasn’t publicly available until Thursday.

A report is considered “timely filed” if it is turned in to the secretary of state’s office or mailed and postmarked on the day the report is due. Candidates may also fax their reports to the secretary of state’s office.

Northwest Arkansas, Pages 9 on 01/20/2014