MORGANTOWN – Republican Attorney General Patrick Morrisey holds a strong fundraising – and spending – lead over Democratic Huntington Mayor Steve Williams in their race for governor.
Morrisey prevailed over five other Republicans in the May primary to win the nomination.
During the second quarter – April 29, just before the primary, through June 30 – Morrisey received $1,688,449.27 in contributions, plus $11,329.60 in investment and interest income for his campaign account. He also lent his campaign $550,000 this quarter. (In a press release, Morrisey’s campaign said he raised $1,984,056 this quarter, but his 2nd Quarter finance report doesn’t reflect that number.)
He spent $1,470,670.96 during the second quarter and ended the period with a campaign account balance of $1,066,134.49.
His year-to-date totals were $5,312,792.67 raised and $4,549,151.94 spent.
Morrisey’s press release noted that his campaign received a total of 14,070 contributions this quarter, with 13,146 — or 93% — under $250. But he remains his single-largest donor, at a total $334,300.
This quarter, he repaid $408,000 in loans from himself to his campaign, and the account shows $274,000 in loans still outstanding.
Williams had no primary opponent. He opened the reporting period with $30,418 and received another $46,010 in contributions.
He spent $23,581.61, leaving a balance of $52,846.39. He hadn’t lent his campaign any money by the end of the period and donated only $250 to his campaign.
His year-to-date totals were $81,746.41 raised and $25,572.11 spent.
By way of comparison, Morrisey’s account balance was just over 20 times higher than Williams as they headed into the general election season.
Other Republicans
Here’s a look at the fundraising and spending for the five other Republicans, in order of votes received.
Former House of Delegates Judiciary chair Moore Capito, son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, raised a total $2,222,015.59 for the season and spent $1,830,016.74. He gave his campaign $270,004.45. His ending balance was $310,220.86.
Huntington businessman Chris Miller, son of Rep. Carol Miller, raised a total $1,663,390.88 and spent $9,322,797.52. The difference was covered by $7,749,856.34 in loans to his campaign. He also donated $83,133.18 to his account. His ending balance was $19,179.12.
Secretary of State Mac Warner raised $582,352.62 for the season and spent $537,417.84, leaving a balance of $31,360.28. He donated $3,917.28 to his campaign.
Mitch Roberts of Poca recorded no contributions during the first two reporting periods (1st Quarter and Primary) and hadn’t filed a 2nd Quarter report. He spent $789.36 in the first quarter and $525.68 during the primary period, leaving his account $1,315.04 in the red.
Kevin “KC” Christian, of Chloe, had no financial activity posted.
Mountain Party
Mountain Party’s Chase Linko-Looper, of St. Albans, raised and spent no money this period, but gave his campaign $110.76 in in-kind contributions. Year-to-date he’s raised $10,701.71 and spent $2,398.86. His account balance was $154.67. He has been his single-largest contributor, at $10,186.16.
Email: dbeard@dominionpost.com
