By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
With 45 days left before the June 1 primary, Escambia County sheriff’s candidates have spent similar amounts of money in their quest for the seat, while incumbent District 22 Sen. Marc Keahey is far ahead in the money race for that seat.
Incumbent Grover Smith, the only Democrat in the race, reported contributions of $5,600, with expenditures of $4,412 for signs and advertising. Smith contributed the most to his own campaign, giving $3,500.
Republican Heath Jackson reported contributions of $6,100, the largest being a $5,000 contribution from Thomas Jackson of Pelham.
Jackson reported expenditures of $2,487 for signs and other advertising needs.
Republican Lloyd Albritton reported raising $235 in itemized contributions and $4,000 in loans to his campaign. He reported expenditures of $3,569, administrative costs and advertising.
In the Senate race, Keahey, who has served in the seat since a special election last year to replace the late Pat Lindsey, entered the reporting period with nearly $111,000. He reported contributions of $68,151 in reports due at the secretary of state’s office Monday. With expenditures around $7,970, Keahey still has $171,156 in his campaign fund — and no opposition in the primary.
Keahey’s Republican opponents have raised little money, but once the party has a nominee, that could change. Jeff Peacock of Atmore reported campaign contributions of $3,893 and expenditures of about $2,710.
Danny Joyner of Brewton did not file a report (candidates are not required to unless they meet a certain financial threshold).