WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Local
incumbents looking to keep their seats in Raleigh have a financial advantage
over their challengers, according to campaign finance reports filed this week
with the NC Board of Elections.
Of all local candidates running for positions
in the General Assembly, current New Hanover County Commissioner Rick Catlin
has the most cash on hand at the end of the second quarter of 2012. Catlin, the
Republican candidate in the new District 20 race, has $109,377.64 in his
coffers, which includes a personal loan of $50,000. Catlin's total far exceeds
that of his Democratic opponent, Tom Gale, who closed the quarter with
$1,090.75 cash on hand.
Another current New Hanover County
Commissioner, Ted Davis, lists $16,560.75 on hand in the race for the House
seat in District 19. His opponent, Kure Beach Council Member Emilie Swearingen,
has $3,853.63. The winner of that race will succeed Rep. Danny McComas, who
decided not to run for re-election after nearly two decades in Raleigh.
The third House seat representing New
Hanover County is in the 18th District. Incumbent Democrat Susi
Hamilton enjoys a sizeable financial lead over her Republican opponent,
newcomer Louis Harmati. Hamilton lists $14,322 cash on hand following a primary
that saw her challenged by James Knox, the mayor of Northwest. According to a
letter sent to the Board of Elections, Harmati suspended his campaign for the
second quarter because he had to travel out of state to attend to "serious
family matters". He lists $8.09 cash on hand in his campaign.
The race for the 9th
District seat in the NC Senate is much closer when it comes to financial
strength. Incumbent Republican Thom Goolsby has more than $105,435.48 cash on
hand through the second quarter. His opponent, Democrat attorney Deb Butler,
lists $83,931 on hand, which includes a personal loan of $50,000 to her
campaign.
Senator Bill Rabon has a large
financial advantage in his re-election campaign in District 8, which covers
parts of New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Bladen Counties. Rabon has
$100,946.58 on hand, compared to $435.11 for his Democratic opponent Danny
Hefner.
You can click on the highlighted names
of the candidates for links to their recent reports.
Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.
Fundraising reports list several local incumbents with sizeable advantages over their opponents
