Funding Made Difference in Local Races

As the Republican presidential primary comes to South Carolina much will be made about fundraising and its importance in determining the winner.

Fundraising is just as important in local elections, as the final campaign reports, which were posted yesterday, indicate. They can be found in more detail at the website of the South Carolina State Ethics Commission HERE.

Candidates filed their final contribution and expense reports on Jan. 10. Some of the highlights:

The winner of , Larry Goodson, raised $3,430.26 compared to $400 raised by the man he defeated, incumbent Michael Reynolds.

Of Goodson's total funds raised, $508.56 came from his own pockets, $694.80 came from former Mauldin Mayor Wayne Crick or Crick's company Special Systems, Inc. But, the largest chunk by far came from the Committee for Better Government which donated $1,966.90.

The Committee for Better Government has Peter J. Schneider and Alexandra L. Schneider listed as the chairman and treasurer, respectively. However, the committee received all of its money, $2,000 from Crick's Special Systems, Inc., according to the report. The committee did not give money to any other candidate besides Goodson. The committee also was listed as the responsible party in the sign pictured with this article.

Scott Crosby, , raised $2,910.72 compared to zero for his opponent, the incumbent, James Kennedy. Of the total amount raised, $1,970.72 was Crosby's own money. His largest donor was Carl B. Barney of Crystal Bay, Nev., who gave $500. Barney is listed as the CEO of Stevens-Henager College and College America Service.

On the mayoral side, raised almost three times the amount of money than that of former mayor, Don Godbey. Raines received $9,009.05 in donations, compared to Godbey's $3,350. Raines also received money from Crick, $792.92 in full.

But Raines and his wife, Cathy were the biggest contributors to his campaign with combined giving totaling $1,866.13.

Raines' next biggest donor was Timothy Brett, owner of the public relations firm Brett Inc., who gave $1,000.

Raines had more than two dozen separate donors compared to approximately a dozen for Godbey. One donor both Raines and Godbey had in common was the Realtors Political Action Committee in Columbia, which gave each candidate $500.