Smith outpacing Hardesty in spending
Oct. 27—LIMA — Sharetta Smith has outpaced Elizabeth Hardesty by nearly $11,000 in total monetary contributions, bringing in $43,729 to Hardesty's $32,850, according to campaign finance reports.
Each candidate has built their network of donors in different ways. Since August, Sharetta Smith has far outpaced Hardesty in grassroots contributions with 147 unique donors since Aug. 6, with an average of $167 per donation.
The records show that Smith is receiving major backing from the trade organizations, with a total of $9,000 contributed between the Ohio State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, IUPAT, LIUNA Local 329 and the Ohio State UAW.
Hardesty has seen a much smaller pool of donors, but has gotten major financial support from those who are backing her. The campaign finance report shows that Hardesty has received 37 unique donors with an average contribution of $888. Among those contributors, only six of the 37 made a contribution less than $100.
Hardesty generated $20,000 of her fundraising through two large donations of $15,000 and $5,000 from former American Trim Chairman Leo Hawk and Shawnee Properties owner Louis Markiewicz.
The race has also seemed to have garnered interest in other parts of the country. Donations for both candidates have come in from at least 25 different states as close as Michigan and Kentucky and as far away as Washington and Hawaii.
When it comes to spending, Smith has outspent Hardesty at about the same rate she has outraised her, spending $27,396 on the campaign trail to Hardesty's $16,075.
Reach Trevor Hubert at 567-242-0398
