Galloway leads auditor candidates in fundraising

As of Sept. 30 - the last day covered by the most recent campaign finance reports - Democrat Nicole Galloway was the clear front-runner in campaign fundraising and spending in the state auditor's race.

In a 63-page report filed Monday with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Galloway reported receiving a total of $1,962,705.95 for the entire campaign and spending $562,571.97 total.

Republican Saundra McDowell won a four-person primary contest in August for the right to challenge Galloway, the incumbent.

But her campaign finance report shows she's raised only $38,927.52 total - just under 2 percent of Galloway's receipts - and all received during the July-September period. McDowell reported spending $18,225.20 for the campaign so far.

Libertarian Sean O'Toole, of Kansas City, and Green Party candidate Don Fritz, of St. Louis, each filed a "Limited Activity" report saying they had not received or spent more than $500.

Jacob Luetkemeyer, of California, the Constitution Party candidate, reported receiving $3,228.15 for the whole campaign and spending $415.74 so far.

Galloway was appointed to the office in April 2015 after Republican Tom Schweich committed suicide in February.

She previously had been elected to the Boone County Treasurer's office, but hasn't run a statewide campaign before.

Galloway reported receiving 26 donations of $2,600 each, largely from union-related political action committees, mostly in St. Louis and Kansas City, but also from some individuals - including U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill.

She received more than 30 donations of $1,000 each; more than 75 donations between $300-$500; and more than 200 donations of $250 or less.

Galloway's largest expense, $33,500, was for research by Hart Research Associates of Washington, D.C.

She also spent $20,000 for advertising through a St. Louis agency.

McDowell's contributions included seven donations for $2,600 each, from Gary Grewe, of St. Louis; Janell Brunner, of St. Louis; Steven Trulaske, of St. Louis; Gerald Cook, of Ozark; Kay Cook, of Ozark; Douglas Healy, of Springfield; and from the Missourians for Responsible and Better Government, Jefferson City.

She received a $2,750 contribution from the Wright County Republican Central Committee, and $1,500 from the Webster County Republican Committee.

McDowell received $1,000 donations from Ronald Cleek, of Ozark; Violet Corbett, of Knob Noster; and Terry Reardon, of Village of Loch Lloyd.

Her major expenses reported for the quarter included $5,000 for digital advertising, $4,950.28 for campaign signs and $2,580.65 for fundraising assistance.

Luetkemeyer reported receiving $174 during the quarter - all from people who gave $100 or less and don't have to be identified by name.

His biggest expense was $84.59 for travel.