Posted on 04/25/2003 11:06:04 AM PDT by JohnnyZ
Northern Kentucky Republican Trey Grayson has raised more money than all three Democrats running for secretary of state in the most recent campaign finance period, according to reports released on Thursday. Grayson, however, still trails Democrat Russ Maple, a Jefferson County insurance executive seeking the office, by more than $200,000 in total contributions.
Kenton County Commissioner Adam Koenig, a Republican running for state treasurer, is looking at an even larger gap between himself and his opponent. Democratic incumbent Jonathan Miller has raised a total of $401,007.70, to Koenig's $11,175.
Grayson, of Fort Mitchell, and Koenig, who lives in Villa Hills, are the only two Northern Kentuckians running for state office.
Their camps say the fund-raising gaps will begin to close after the May 27 primary and candidates start concentrating on the general election in November. Neither faces opposition in the primary.
Both said they will double their fund-raising efforts as they step up their campaigns after the primary.
Grayson raised $82,746.34 in the current reporting period, which reflects contributions made between Jan. 1 and April 18. Overall, Grayson has raised $95,946.34 and has spent about $16,000 of that, according to the finance reports
Grayson's campaign said with contributions received after April 18, he's collected more than $100,000.
"We're going to be extremely competitive and we're going to have the financial resources to compete," said Brad Shattuck, Grayson's campaign manager. "I think our receipts this period shows that people believe Trey Grayson is going to bring about change."
In the three-way Democratic primary for secretary of state, Maple has been far and way the most successful money generator. He has raised $300,509.84, with $256,051.89 still on hand.
Former State Rep. Gippy Graham of Frankfort has raised $41,038.38 and spent all but about $8,470.72 of it, according to campaign finance reports. Joe Lanter, a realtor from Lexington, hasn't raised any money.
Koenig raised the bulk of his money from Northern Kentucky donors while Miller's funds came from around the state and outside of it. With the exception of his county commission race against Democrat Mike Baker in 2002, Koenig said he has never spent more than his opponent.
Koenig this week attacked Miller, saying he was using his office as a springboard for a U.S. Senate run in 2004.
Miller's campaign called Koenig a hypocrite, since he pledged to be a full-time Kenton County Commissioner before he was re-elected to that office last year, then announced interest in running for state office.
"He is making the rounds with all these donors so he can get his name out," Koenig said of Miller. "He is in tune with these people so he can go to the U.S. Senate and help them with their liberal agendas. I'm used to being outspent, but I think I have a better message."
Vince Gabbert, campaign manager for Miller, wouldn't respond to Koenig's comments. "I think our report speaks for itself," he said.
Also interesting that Miller may be running for Senate in 2004 against Jim Bunning. I don't think he'd win that one, but he would be actual competition, I guess. He looks like he's 25. We also have a shot at state auditor and of course governor; this is the first time we've run real candidates all the way down the ballot, I think.
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