I gave a quick review of the financial reports filed by gubernatorial candidates posted here earlier in the week. It appeared most of the spending was going out-of-state. This took me back to the governor’s race in 1996.
I was a part of Governor Cecil Underwood’s successful campaign that year. We made it a point to spend all our money in West Virginia. A team of knowledgeable and talented West Virginians was formed to help guide the fall campaign.
What mattered to this team was putting West Virginia first and that included where we spent campaign money. That does not appear to be the case in the special primary election underway to find the next Governor. A look at a few of the candidates’ reports reveals the money flowed in large amounts out of West Virginia.
John Perdue led spending over $360,000 out-of-state approximately 96% and $15,000 here. Earl Ray Tomblin spent over $1 million (90%) of his money elsewhere. Rick Thompson paid $390,000 (80%) for services outside of West Virginia. Jeff Kessler was found spending about $1,500 or 8%.
Bill Maloney purchased over $300,000 of services outside the state nearly 83% of his expenditures. Betty Ireland spent approximately $54,000 out-of-state which was 47% of her expenses. Clark Barnes used $2,990 (8%) of his money elsewhere.
While focused on out-of-state spending I looked at contributions coming to some candidates from outside West Virginia.
Earl Ray Tomblin collected $210,971.29 with 35% ($73,481.75) from non West Virginians. Rick Thompson got 1% of his money ($3,000) from outside sources. He raised $18,323.33. John Perdue raised $123,840.00 with non residents contributing $14,500 (12%). Jeff Kessler received $1,500 (1%) from other states raising $12,345.00.
Clark Barnes raised 100% of his funds from outside but it only amounted to $1,000. Bill Maloney got 32% ($19,500) of his $61,109 from out-of-state. Betty Ireland brought in $7,500 (21%) of her $36,325 from sources beyond our borders.
Please note: Not all candidates’ reports were reviewed but this is the tread. The numbers here are approximate. Further, it is likely some of the out-of-state funds were eventually spent on advertising here in the state.