Candidates spend big bucks

Published 1:28 am Saturday, July 14, 2007

NATCHEZ — A month before primary elections, some candidates have spent thousands on their campaigns, and others have spent none at all, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.

The leader by far is incumbent Sheriff Ronny Brown, who has spent $34,528, according to his report.

Brown’s only opponent, Charles Woods, has spent $12,329.

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District 1 Supervisor incumbent Sammy Cauthen landed roughly in the middle range among all candidates for the amount raised, with $4,859 raised.

He has spent $182 so far, according to his campaign finance report.

“The reason for having money is to have money to spend,” Cauthen said. “I usually spend more just before the general election in November.”

Like most candidates, Cauthen spent his funds on campaign signs and advertising, he said.

“If you enjoy the job and you want the job bad enough, it ‘s worth it.”

Like a few others, District 3 Supervisor incumbent Thomas “Boo” Campbell hasn’t raised or spent a penny, according to his reports.

Campbell was among a handful of candidates who turned in their campaign finance reports later than Tuesday’s deadline.

“I was just a day late,” Campbell said. “I forgot what day it was. I didn’t think about it.”

Mississippi law gives candidates a 10-day grace period in which to turn in reports. Candidates whose reports were not found in the circuit clerk’s office at closing time Friday include:

4Chancery clerk: Tommy O’Beirne

4Coroner: James Lee, Tonja Butler, Jonathan Hargrave

4Supervisor District 1: Paul Brooks

4Supervisor District 2: Joe Eidt

4Supervisor District 3: Raythell Smith, Luther “Brad” Bradford, Leroy Sessions

4Supervisor District 4: Paul Leake, Anthony McCranie

4Supervisor District 5: Ron Allbritton,

4Justice Court Judge, northern district: Patricia Dunmore

4Justice Court Judge, southern district: Charles Vess

4Constable: Ray Brown

Grafton Pritchartt contributed to this article.