Scheperle leads Ousley in spending and fundraising

Incumbent Kris Scheperle is leading in both fund-raising and spending in his primary campaign for Cole County Western District commissioner with challenger Janet Ousley.

With no Democrat or other party's candidate on the Nov. 8 general election ballot - unless someone launches a successful write-in campaign - the winner of next Tuesday's primary election will represent the western half of Cole County for the next four years, beginning Jan. 1.

Based on the second-quarter campaign reports due July 15 and the "eight days before the election" reports due Monday, Scheperle had an almost three-to-one lead over Ousley on the income side - and a just over two-to-one lead in spending.

Scheperle, seeking his second four-year term, began the campaign with $100.14 on hand and raised $14,800,with no loans.

Ousley, who's not held an elected government office before, began her campaign with no money and raised $5,394.75 - including $2,000 of her own money and $346.75 in in-kind contributions.

Scheperle's spent $11,605.28, including advertising costs and $1,125.73 for T-shirts, $499.14 for a "truck wrap," $200 for sponsoring a hole at a Calvary Lutheran golf tournament and another $125 for a hole at an American Red Cross golf tournament, $123.68 for candy for a parade and $81 for invitations.

Ousley spent $5,539.53, mostly for advertising with $138.75 for shirts and $100 for sponsoring a hole in an Evening Lions golf tournament.

Scheperle's biggest contributions were $4,500 from himself (not a loan); $1,000 each from Gary Schell and Mark Schell; and $500 each from Andrew Kampeter, John Kampeter, Mike Kampeter and John Cassmeyer. He also received two $300 contributions, seven $250 contributions and four $200 contributions.

One of the $250 contributions listed in his July 15 campaign report is from himself, and it's shown as having been contributed on May 16, 2013.

Scheperle also reported getting $460 in donations of $100 or less during a June 2 fund-raiser at Ria's Restaurant.

Ousley's biggest donors are Kay Bode, $645; Marvin Register, $595; Image Mark Marketing and Advertising, $533; Kenneth Ferguson, $495; Bee Line Snack Shops, $485; Lyle Rosburg, $445; and Jefferson Bank's Political Action Committee, $350. Other listed contributions were for $285, $100, $85 and $25.

Ousley raised $975 in donations of $100 or less from people attending a June 30 fundraiser at Binder Park. 

Her in-kind contributions included $248.75 from Unique Catering and $98 from Frenchie's Cafe.

Related articles:

Western District candidates weigh in on Cole County issues

Scheperle seeks re-election as commissioner

Ousley wants more communication on commission