PDF: District 9 fundraising
Two former state legislators led a crowded field in fundraising going into this week's special election for Georgia's open 9th Congressional District seat, records show.
Lee Hawkins, a Republican who served in the state Senate, raised $677,671 through the April 21 reporting period, according to the Federal Election Commission website. That included a personal contribution of $145,118.
Former state Rep. Tom Graves, also a Republican, reported raising $607,021, the FEC site shows, with none coming from his own pocket.
Dr. Hawkins, a 59-year-old Gainesville dentist who said he is concerned about job loss "in every sector," said he put money into the campaign because he was behind others in the race when he got in.
"If we don't believe in ourselves, why run?" he said of self-funding by candidates.
Mr. Graves, a 40-year-old real estate developer from Ranger, said he has more than 1,700 individual donors and is running a "grassroots" effort focusing on government expenditures.
"The number one issue is out-of-control spending in Washington," he said.
Both legislators were required by state law to vacate their seats after qualifying to run for Congress, said Matt Carrothers, director of media relations for the Georgia secretary of state.
Six Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent are vying in Tuesday's special election to fill the seat held in the 15-county district by former GOP Rep. Nathan Deal, who resigned in March to run for governor. Congress members are paid $174,00 annually.
Another Republican, Chris Cates, contributed $203,544 to his campaign, bringing his fundraising total to $390,990, according to the FEC website.
The 53-year-old Blairsville cardiologist, who says career politicians are "a lot like cockroaches," said his message has "inspired" voters in the district.
"People are tired of the same-old, same-old professional politicians," he said.
Steve Tarvin, a businessman and former Chickamauga City Council member, contributed $251,003 from his own pocket, raising his total to $337,606, the FEC site shows.
The 58-year-old Republican said he said he put money into the campaign in part because he has a hard time asking people to give him anything.
"I believe in myself that I was willing to do that," he said.
ELECTION DATES* Tuesday: Special election to fill open seats* June 8: Special election runoff, if needed* July 20: State primary* Aug. 10: State primary runoff, if needed* Nov. 2: General election* Nov. 30: General election runoff, if neededSource: Georgia Secretary of State's Office
Former Republican state Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens, a 53-year communications executive from Cumming, raised $107,567, with none from his own pocket.
Mr. Stephens, who served as former Gov. Zell Miller's spokesman, said he has sent campaign mail to constituents and is showing up at events "where two or more people are gathered." He said if the turnout on Tuesday is low, the candidate who wins might be the one who can get "family and friends" to the polls. Two other contenders, Republican Bet Loftman and Democrat Mike Freeman, reported raising $45,577 and $41,831 respectively, according to the FEC website. Dr. Loftman put $41,000 of his own money into the race, while Mr. Freeman contributed $5,772 from his own pocket.
Independent Eugene Moon had raised $7,578 through March 31, including $6,420 of his own noney, records show. His totals through April 21 were not on the FEC website Friday.
Unless one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a June 8 runoff.
E-mail Larry Henry at lhenry@timesfreepress.com.
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