Mayoral candidates’ fund-raising varies

Darwin Hindman isn’t taking the upcoming mayoral election lightly. He’s just spending lightly.

Hindman, who is opposed in the race by John G. Clark and Arch Brooks, raised only $800 through Feb. 21, according to a campaign finance report on file at the Boone County Clerk’s Office. Nearly half that amount came from a single contributor.

In recent days, however, Hindman has picked up the pace. Kee Groshong, Hindman’s campaign treasurer, said the incumbent has raised about $13,000. Groshong said a recent fund-raiser at Grand Cru Restaurant raised nearly $6,000. Hindman described the event as a gathering of supporters and said about 200 people attended.

Despite the sudden increase in Hindman’s fund raising, the incumbent who spent nearly $24,000 to win his first mayoral election in 1995 said he won’t need to spend much this time around. He was unopposed for re-election in 1998 and 2001.

“I’m still running hard, but I’m running on a record now, and people know what that record is,” Hindman said.

Clark’s disclosure reported he had raised just more than $355 as of Feb. 21. Clark could not be reached for comment on any further fund raising. Clark’s campaign treasurer, Dennis Murphy, said he’s unsure how much Clark has raised since the filing because the candidate accepts contributions directly.

Brooks filed no disclosure. According to the Boone County Clerk’s Office, candidates in local elections who don’t raise or spend at least $1,000 are not required to file campaign finance reports.