Serving Whitman County since 1877
Ninth District Representative Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, and Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, both spoke with the Gazette this week to share how their campaign finances were used in a year when both candidates ran unopposed on the ballot.
Schmick in 2016 spent $83,394.20 in campaign funds out of a total $125,936.84 raised. Schoesler’s spending totaled $220,562.96 out of $418,029.88 raised. Both representatives said a majority of their dollars went toward other candidates.
“A good chunk of my money went to the caucus,” said Schmick. “The caucus supports other Republican candidates across the state.”
Schoesler said he did the same with his funds.
“They use it to support their candidates,” he said.
Schmick said he feels it is important to help other candidates in this way.
“It’s not my election, but it’s trying to elect other conservative Republicans,” he commented.
Schoesler added that he also used his campaign financing for events and advertising.
“There were expenses associated with attending events and fundraisers,” he said. “Also, supporting 4H and FFA auctions. I’ve always bought fair animals for advertising. I’ve always supported 4H and FFA auctions.”
Schoesler said he also put out a mailer in the district to encourage people to vote with his funds.
Schmick said traveling was another big expense to his campaign.
“There’s travel. Travel is a big one because our district is so large,” he said. “You still have election expenses that are strictly campaign-focused.”
When asked if the campaign expenses would have been higher if they had someone running against them, both candidates said that was difficult to determine.
“It depends on the level of competition,” said Schoesler.
“Who knows?” said Schmick.
Ninth District Representative Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, who was challenged by Democratic candidate Jennifer Goulet of Pasco, spent less money than both Schmick and Schoesler. Her expenses totaled $46,975.95, with $59,879.85 raised. Her funds went mostly to advertising and traveling.
Goulet spent $11,890.28 out of $12,221.56 raised in her campaign.
Schmick added that he feels it is great to have leaders come together to help elect each other.
“It shows that at least the House Republicans all work together as a team,” he said. “And that we all pitch in to help one another.”
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