Horn Raised Most Campaign Funding In County Races

As the year winds down to an end, voters are already putting elections behind them and looking toward those getting ready to take office.

But campaign funding records are open to the public for disclosure, and funds raised went toward radio ads, print ads, window decals and signs to promote the local candidates. The funds collected totaled nearly $18,800 in Valley County. That doesn't include some of the personal contributions from the candidates themselves. Most of the final reports have been filed for funding, but a few still may turn in the last report due later this month.

At the top of the list was candidate Joe Horn, who faced off against Glen Meier for Valley County sheriff this year. Horn may have lost the battle, but he raised the most for his campaign this year. He received over $6,000 in funds between the end of June and mid-October this year. He raised just over $1,700 during the primary.

Meier started out with a loan of $3,300 during the campaign with additional donations to make an even $4,000. The loan was repaid as the campaign came to a close. He received close to $2,500 in donations to help make up that loan during the remainder of the campaign. The Valley County deputies paid in close to $1,000 for advertising for Glen Meier this election season.

None of the other campaign candidates raised as much funding for their race, but some received hundreds of dollars or significantly more. Commissioner candidate Paul Tweeten, who won the election, surpassed his competitor in raising funds, receiving $4,600 for his campaign. The advertising may have paid off against Russell Dahl, who filed that he received around $800. His final report has yet to be filed though, so he could have raised more funding after mid-June.

Justice of Peace candidate Christine Hillman, who won the race, received close to $1,000. Her competitor Dave Gorton raised just above that at around $1,800. Write-in candidate Christine Gamas didn't receive much in donations, and spent over $5,000 on advertisements.