Sometimes, the man who spends the most isn’t the man who wins, and that’s certainly proven to be the case in Oktibbeha County’s most expensive and closely-watched race, which will see a new sheriff in town for the first time in 35 years.
The two men who remain on the ballot, Democrat Steve Gladney and Republican Rudy Johnson, have seen less inflow and outflow of money combined than that which Incumbent Democrat Dolph Bryan raised — and spent — trying to hold on to his seat.
Bryan took in $32,246 in contributions, $13,700 of which he pulled from his own wallet, and spent $23,246, but he still lost in the runoff to first-timer Gladney, who received $11,855 in contributions but spent $12,638.12, nearly half of which went to print advertising and signs.
Gladney’s largest contributors were Philadelphia Phillies player Roy Oswalt, who gave $2,500 to his campaign; and Dr. O.A. Cleveland, who gave $1,500.
Johnson squeaked by with just $8,200 raised and $7,389.34 spent, the majority of which went to campaign signs made by Montgomery, Ala.-based Bush Signs.
His largest contributors were Crawley Law Office and Century Heat and Cooling, each of which gave $2,500 to his campaign.
In the circuit clerk’s race, Democrat Teresa Davis-Roberson will face Republican Glenn Hamilton, each vying to fill the spot of Circuit Clerk Angie McGinnis, who is not seeking re-election.
According to the most recent figures filed by Roberson in October, she has received $4,450.50 in contributions and spent $8,835.33.
Her largest contribution was $1,000 from Pennie Frazier of Jackson, and her largest expense was $2,329.52, which went toward signs.
Hamilton’s ledgers are a bit more equal, reflecting $5,800 in contributions and $5,181 in disbursements. He reports still having $619 in cash on hand.
Hamilton’s largest contributors included Senator Gary Jackson, R-French Camp, who gave $500; Stanley Maynard, who also gave $500; and Mark Williamson and Bruce Brown, who each gave $200.
Another closely-watched race has been that of county tax assessor, where Republican Allen Morgan has received and spent approximately $7,148.52 in his bid to defeat Democrat Lisa Wynn.
No current figures were available for Wynn, who, according to campaign finance reports over the last three months, hasn’t spent or received money.
Dispatch reporter David Miller contributed to this story.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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