Published: October 30, 2009 09:45 am      

Mallicoat, Graf raise most funds

CLINTON — Ron Mallicoat and Jennifer Graf were the top two fundraisers for the Clinton City Council election on Nov. 3, according to campaign reports filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board earlier this week.

The Citizens for Mallicoat committee reported raising $4,625 and the Jennifer Graf for Clinton City Council committee reported $3,480. The amounts spent were closer with Mallicoat listing $3,454 and Graf $3,299 spent, the reports show.

The totals put the candidates far ahead of any of the five candidates vying for two At-Large seats.

The majority of Mallicoat’s fundraising came from two $1,500 checks from James and Juanita Byrns, who helped start up Custom Pak in Clinton. Graf’s largest contribution was a $1,000 check from Jerry and Cheryle Vilmont.

Mike Drury came in third with $1,440 raised, but the report filed Wednesday did not list any expenditures.

Charles Mulholland and Ben Luckritz did not file a fundraising report with the board. Candidates do not have to file a report if their contributions or expenditures do not exceed $750, according to Iowa election law.

Mallicoat is seeking a third term, but the other seat has no incumbent after At-Large Councilwoman Bette Oakley announced she would not run again.

The largest expenditure by Mallicoat was $1,510 on two billboards in town while Graf spent $1,386 on advertising through local media. In the First Ward, Bob Soesbe reported $700 raised and Margaret Klaes garnered $650. Neither of the Third Ward candidates, Darrell Smith or Beverly Hermann, reported earnings to the board.

Candidates had to file the reports by 4:30 p.m. Thursday. If candidates go over the $750 threshold they would still need to file.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.