Election 2008

Hotter tops in campaign dollar chase
Incumbent commissioner raises far more than challenger Tregillus
by Shane Benjamin
Herald Staff Writer

Fueled in part by large contributions from individual donors, La Plata County Commissioner Kellie Hotter has raised more than twice as much money as her Democratic challenger Peter Tregillus.

In the District 2 race, Tregillus has raised a total of $18,725 compared with Hotter's $41,689, according to the Colorado Secretary of State. The dollar amounts are from the beginning of their campaigns through Oct. 26 - the end of the most recent filing period - and include in-kind contributions.

About 32 percent of Hotter's 187 contributors gave $200 or more to her campaign, according to the filings. Three individuals gave more than $2,000 to Hotter: Former County Commissioner Bob Lieb, $5,250; Douglas Simonson $2,500; and Karen Langhart, $2,054.

By comparison, only about 9 percent of Tregillus' 130 donors gave $200 or more to his campaign. More than a third of his campaign chest came from the La Plata County Democratic Central Committee.

Hotter had spent about $23,712 as of Oct. 26, largely on radio, newspaper and printing costs.

"I plan on spending every dime; there won't be any leftovers, hopefully," she said.

Tregillus had spent about $13,479 on newspapers, mailings and volunteer events.

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