7/29/2010
By CHRIS HUNTER Salina Journal

According to campaign finance reports filed this week, Republicans Randy Duncan and Phyllis Anderson each have raised more than $1,200 from donors, while Democrats Barb Shirley and Mike Zrubek are spending less on their campaigns.

The four are vying for their party's nomination for the 1st District seat on the Saline County Commission.

"In this year's election, more people are running for office with more open seats at a higher level," Duncan said. "The races for (Rep. Jerry) Moran's seat and the (Rep. Todd) Tiahrt-Moran race are sucking up a lot of money, and people are being asked for money for several months."

Even as their race is being overshadowed by others, each of the candidates said he or she believes talking to voters will help them more than spending money as Tuesday's primary election nears.

Money from friends

In her first campaign for office, Anderson raised $25 more than Duncan, the incumbent.

Anderson raised a total of $1,230 from five donors. Her donors included former County Commissioner Craig Stephenson, the spouses of two other former county commissioners and the aunt of former Gov. Bill Graves.

"Most of it was primarily from friends," Anderson said. "I am certainly encouraged by what people were willing to do to support me. I am a rookie at this whole thing."

Duncan brought in $1,205 from six donors, including former Sheriff Darrell Wilson and Salina car dealer Ralph Bennett.

"I'm happy with what I have," Duncan said. "Obviously, most candidates try to raise the most money, but all you can be is hopeful that you can raise more. At the county level, it is pretty good."

Duncan said he spent almost $6,000 on his last election campaign. On this campaign, he had only spent $10.45 as of Monday.

"Election bills came in this week, so I am spending now," Duncan said. "But I started the campaign with yard signs I had in my shed from four years ago. They sat there for four years, so I pulled them out and put them in yards. It has been an advantage."

Anderson doesn't have that advantage. She has spent $1,027.38 on postage, her filing fee, an election map, bulk mail and advertising in The Buyer's Guide.

Democrats raise less

While they haven't raised as much money as their Republican counterparts, Shirley and Zrubek are making the most of their situations.

Shirley raised $590 from seven different donors, including Martinelli's Little Italy owner Tony Dong and Alan White, former chairman of the Saline County Democratic Party. Shirley has spent $546, primarily on yard signs.

"I plan on doing a lot more fundraising after the primary," Shirley said. "More money will be needed for the general election, for mailers and other items. As of right now, I have what I need."

Zrubek said he isn't worried about donations and is paying for the campaign himself. On his report, Zrubek listed only in-kind contributions in the amount of $713.55 for items he purchased.

Not about the money

Each of the candidates said money won't make or break a candidate like it can in other races.

"At the county commission level, there is a lower level of spending and more personal campaigning," Duncan said. "You don't need a lot of money."

Anderson said she learned this after she hit the streets, even though a broken toe slowed her down for a few weeks.

"People just want to talk and want me to listen," Anderson said. "Talking to people helped me realize that there are as many interests and concerns as people I talked to. I thought the primary interest would be taxes, but it hasn't been. People have so many different things they want to talk about."

Shirley said that, while she will spend more on advertising later, it's more important to listen to what constituents want from a commissioner.

"Talking with people is worth more than money," Zrubek said. "People that stop at doors and talk with you are the ones you remember. You don't get a first impression of them when they give out a flyer. It is always nice for them to have a face to go with a candidate."

nReporter Chris Hunter can be reached at 822-1422 or by e-mail at chunter@salina.com.

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