A Harford County sheriff?s candidate came out swinging this week, suggesting those who have failed to raise significant campaign funds are not serious candidates.
“Some people are of the mind frame that if you don?t raise a lot of money, you?re not a serious candidate,” said Democrat Jesse Bane, who has accepted $53,726 ? the most of any sheriff candidate, according to the state Board of Elections campaign finance database. So far he has spent just under $24,000.
Bane will face off against Belcamp resident Terry Serago in Tuesday?s primary. Serago has raised about $2,400 for his campaign.
On the Republican side of the ticket, Maryland State Police alumnus Norman Cochran leads the pack with about $48,000, according to the state database. This figure includes funds he collected during a failed bid for County Council president in 2002. He had spent about $14,000.
“I would be more than happy if I never had to raise a dime,” Cochran said of campaign fundraising, but he pointed out that in order to get the message out to voters, money is required.
“I think raising funds is important, but what I think is most important is letting the people get to know [me and what I stand for],” said Republican Bob Benedetto.
Benedetto raised $11,500. He?s spent more than $10,000 so far, mostly on campaign signs and other material, according to state records.
Republican Ray Clasing, a former captain with the Maryland State Police, had raised about $23,000, records show.
“If I make it through the primary, I?m going to have to raise more for the general election,” he said.
Clasing has spent just under $20,000 on his campaign.
“I?m running as if I am in last place,” said Republican Joe Price. Price has raised about $10,000 and has spent most of his campaign contributions ? with the largest expense being nearly $7,000 on signs and other campaign material.
Republican David Tritt has raised almost $11,000, and has spent about $4,000.
Information on Republican Marlin Mills was not available through the state database, however, he told The Examiner he spent about $15,000 of his own money on his campaign.
