Campaign finance reports show little activity for Hamilton County Dems

Democrats filled the ballot for local races in Hamilton County this year, but only one candidate has collected campaign donations from outside sources.

Debra Jarvis, who is running against Republican incumbent Mark Heirbrandt for Hamilton County Commissioner District 3, collected $2,657 since entering the race in July. She contributed $1,447 herself and received $1,210 in donations.

She had spent $1,598, as of Oct. 14, on printing, social media, signs and a website.

It’s only a small fraction of what her opponent has raised and spent. Heirbrandt reported collecting $59,850 from April 9 to Oct. 14; he already had $79,193 in cash on hand at the beginning of the reporting period. He listed $132,065 in expenses—and had $6,978 in cash remaining.

In the District 2 commissioner race, Democrat Marie DeMore donated $135 to her own campaign fund and had spent the entire amount.

Republican incumbent Steve Dillinger entered the reporting period, which started April 9, with $65,451 in his campaign fund and collected one additional donation of $500 in late April. He spent $3,115, but the money has gone toward other campaigns, including Heirbrandt’s, and charity organizations.

In the Hamilton County Council at-large race, Democrats Edward Chu and Rosemary Dunkle and third-party candidate Duane Brenton reported no donations or expenses. Democrat Bob Williams donated $70 to his own campaign and spent all of it, as of Oct. 14.

Republican incumbent Brad Beaver collected and spent $2,590, but only $1,000 came from an outside donation and all of the activity occurred before the May primary.

Republican incumbent Rick McKinney had $6,884 in his campaign fund at the beginning of the reporting period and raised $3,748. He spent $10,161, but most of the expenses were prior to the primary.

Republican Jeff Hern collected $5,700 in addition to the $1,421 he already had, but all of the donations were before the primary. He also hasn’t reported spending any campaign funds since then.

Before the primary, Hern was accused of stealing some of McKinney’s campaign signs, and on Thursday he was officially charged with criminal mischief.

McKinney released a statement Friday calling for Hern to resign, if he is elected. Hern has not publicly commented on the issue.

Democrats running for auditor, treasurer and surveyor also reported zero campaign donations and expenses.