Malone, Campbell contribution sources pose predictive problem

The sources of financial campaign support for candidates in the GOP primary race for Arkansas House District 64 creates an interesting observation and/or dilemma.

While there are several schools of thought on campaign funds as election indicators, the candidate who raises the most money often is considered to have the edge — which would give Rep. Stephanie Malone the primary election (May 18) advantage over challenger Fort Smith City Director Gary Campbell.

Because there is no Democratic challenger, the GOP primary is the election for the District seat.

As of May 8, Malone had raised $20,775, spent $16,673 and ended with a balance of $4,102. Also, she has a general campaign fund of $1,500. Malone came on strong in the April period, raising $7,670 in contributions.

Campbell had raised $13,895 as of April 30, spent just $6,993 and ended with a balance of $6,601. Campbell raised $4,875 of the total in April.

However, and here’s where the dilemma resides, Campbell has raised $12,495 in the Fort Smith area, compared to just $6,420 in regional contributions for Malone.

Of Malone’s total contributions, $13,700 has come from Little Rock-based political action committees and other outside sources. Campbell has raised, as of April 30, just $1,400 from outside sources.

One school of thought would suggest Malone’s lead in contributions will help boost her messaging and get-out-the-vote efforts. Another school of thought would say Campbell’s lead in local contributions indicates a stronger grassroots network necessary for election victory.

Both schools of thought will be graded May 18.

GARY CAMPBELL (Cumulative contributions as of April 30)

• Outside Contributions
$1,000
ArkMed PAC, Little Rock

$250
Ark Dental PAC, Little Rock
Blue Cross Blue Shield PAC, Little Rock

$150
Steve Napper, Little Rock

• Regional Contributions
$2,000
Michael Morton, Fort Smith

$1,000
Buddy Coleman, Fort Smith
Bob Miller, Fort Smith
Riverfront Exploration (Westphal Co.), Fort Smith

$500
Dr. Cole Goodman, Fort Smith
Sam Landrum, Fort Smith
Kevin Moran, Sallisaw
Sam M. Sicard, Fort Smith
Phil White, Fort Smith
Robert A. Young III, Fort Smith

$250
Larry Bates, Fort Smith
Jeff Beauchamp, Fort Smith
Rob Ratley, Fort Smith
Sam T. Sicard, Fort Smith
Chuck Fawcett Realty, Fort Smith
NF Holdings, Fort Smith
Harold McDowell, Fort Smith
Ronald Rouse, Fort Smith
Bill Wilson, Fort Smith

$200
Larry Weir

$150
Rusty Myers, Van Buren
Travis Stephens, Fort Smith

REP. STEPHANIE MALONE (Cumulative contributions as of May 8)

• Outside Contributions
$1,200
State Rep. Bryan King, Berryville

$1,000
Arkansas Health Care Public Affairs Committee, Little Rock
ARPAC (Arkansas Realtors Association), Little Rock

$750
Southwestern Energy PAC, Fayetteville

$500
Emon Mahony, El Dorado
Glazer’s Wholesale Drug Company, Dallas
Linn’s Auto Inc., Conway
Phillips Brothers Wrecker Service, North Little Rock
Stephens Investments, Little Rock
Steve’s Auto Service, Conway
Jim Walton, Bentonville
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Bentonville

$450
State Rep. Andrea Lea, Russellville

$300
Arkansas Chapter Associated General Contractors PAC, Little Rock
Arkansas Pharmacists PAC, Little Rock

$250
American Electric Power, Columbus, Ohio
Arkansas Cable Telecommunications PAC, Little Rock
Arkansas Dental PAC, Little Rock
Arkansas Land Title Association, Little Rock
Arkansas Physical Therapy Association PAC, Jonesboro
Arkansas State Chamber PAC, Little Rock
Arvest Bank Group PAC, Lowell
Blue Cross PAC, Little Rock
State Rep. John Burris, Harrison
Charles Cella (Oaklawn), St. Louis
Impact Management Group, Little Rock
Manufactured Housing PAC, Little Rock
OGE Energy Corp. Employees PAC, Oklahoma City
Phillip Morris, Richmond, Va.
SBC Arkansas Employee PAC, Little Rock
Rep. Tim Summers, Bentonville

$200
Arkansas Hospitality PAC, Little Rock

$150
Arkansas Agents PAC, Little Rock
State Rep. Dan Greenburg, Little Rock

$100
Joe Bell, Little Rock
Linda and John Scroggin, Little Rock

• Non-monetary contributions (for reelection fundraiser)
$110.94
Debbie and Bill Chandler, Fort Smith ($110.95)
Sara and Eddie Christian, Fort Smith
Wendy and Billy Dooly, Fort Smith
Janie Glover, Fort Smith
Becky and David Shipman, Fort Smith

• Regional Contributions
$2,000
Michael Carter, Fort Smith

$1,000
Margaret Carter, Fort Smith
Michael Morton, Fort Smith

$370
Jackie Scarborough, Fort Smith

$250
Leisha and Mike Callan, Charleston

$150
Frank Glidewell, Fort Smith
Sandra and Dr. Jerry Stewart, Fort Smith

$100
Sen. Denny Altes, Fort Smith
Marie Boozman, Van Buren
Jan Burd, Fort Smith
Sally and Randell Coleman
Greg DuVall, Fort Smith
Janie Glover, Fort Smith
Glen Hopkins Jr., Van Buren
Kim and Mark Linam, Fort Smith
Debbie and Mike Malone, Van Buren
Randy Malone, Fort Smith
Debbie and Robert Marley, Fort Smith
Jim Medley, Fort Smith
Claudia and Bob Neissl, Fort Smith
Ellen and Jim Patridge, Fort Smith
Phanita Williams, Fort Smith