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  Home Page » News » Baxstrom Leads Fundraising

Baxstrom leads fundraising

by Shane Benjamin
Herald Staff Writer In the District 3 race for La Plata County commissioner, Republican Harry Baxstrom has raised about $5,500 more than his Democratic challenger Wally White, according to the most recent campaign reports.

White had raised $23,116 compared with Baxstrom's $28,625, according to the office of 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 28 percent of Bax-strom's 160 supporters gave $200 or more. Three individuals gave more than $1,000: Roy Hocker gave $2,000, Jerry McCaw $1,500 and Ruth McCaw $1,500.

By comparison, only about 17 percent of White's 186 supporters gave $200 or more. The only contribution over $1,000 was from the La Plata County Democrats, which gave $6,000 to White's campaign.

At the end of the filing period, White had spent about $14,110 on advertising and printing costs. Baxstrom had spent about $18,278 on newspapers, printed materials and other advertising.

White said his supporters represent a broad spectrum of residents.

"It's an extremely broad base with really no special interests that I know to speak of," White said.

But his opponent's largest contributors are connected to the gas industry or ranchers with connections to the gas industry, White said.

Baxstrom, a veterinarian, said his top supporters are close friends and business acquaintances. He doesn't know too many people in the gas industry, so if they're giving to him, he doesn't know about it. What's more, Baxstrom said his support comes from residents from a broad range of occupations.

"I feel like I have a broad base of support that comes from across the board," Baxstrom said.

shane@durangoherald.com