Democrats raise three times as much money as GOP commissioners

The two Democrats running for Boundary County Commissioner have raised three times more money than the Republican incumbents.

According to expense reports filed at the courthouse for campaign spending through Sept. 30, Democrat John O’Connor has raised $6,226 in his attempt to unseat two-term Republican Commissioner Walt Kirby. Kirby has raised $2,053. Independent John White did not raise any money.

In addition, O’Connor, owner of Bonners Books, has spent $3,485 on his campaign for a two-year term, while Kirby has spent $1,880.

Democrat Jerry Pavia has raised $5,184 and spent $4,947 in his attempt to defeat incumbent Republican Ron Smith. Smith, who has served as commissioner for nearly 12 years, raised and spent $1,618. He contributed his own money to his effort.

Candidates by Oct. 10 were required to file campaign expense reports, which included spending from June 7 through Sept. 30.

O’Connor was the top fundraiser.

“There are a lot of frustrated voters out there, who want to see some change,” he said.

Kirby said he didn’t have the need to raise as much money.

“If you were to take all of the money I have spent on signs and various things in the last six years, I have spent an additional $2,000,” he said.

According to the report filed on behalf of O’Connor, contributions of more than $50 during the recent expense period were:

• $100 — Alphonse Amato, and Michael and Linda Richardson, all of Naples; and Gini Woodward, David and Janet Gause, Steve Howlett, William and Charlott Morris, and Doug and Mona Kim-Brown, all of Bonners Ferry.

• $150 — William Morris of Bonners Ferry.

• $200 — Mark and Delia Owens of Moyie Springs

• $500 — Boundary County Democratic Party

Many of the folks who contributed to Pavia’s campaign were not local.

“In my profession as a photographer for almost 25 years, I get around,” Pavia said. “I do shows in different towns and meet a lot of people. I have a lot of friends.”

Pavia received:

• $100 — Dave Bodner of Moab, Utah; Rick Johnson and John McCarthy, all of Boise; Fred Hendrickson, Steve Howlett and Carolyn Testa, all of Bonners Ferry; Doug Hannold of Livingston, Mont.; Don Caribou of Los Angeles; and Mark Owens of Moyie Springs.

• $200 — Kathy Richmond of Clayton; Ann Coughlin of Bonners Ferry; and Jo Lowe of Ketchum.

• $250 — John Osberg of Sun Valley and congressional candidate Walt Minnick of Boise.

• $400 — Three Mile Cafe

• $500 — Don Trosset of Bellingham, Wash., and Boundary County Democrats.

As for Kirby, all contributors gave less than $50 except for Woodbury Reports, which donated $100.