Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Challenger Betsy Benac holds big money lead over Manatee Commissioner Joe McClash

Betsy Benac holds a big fund-raising lead over long-time Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash heading into next month's Republican primary.

Benac, a former county planner who now works for the Benderson development company, has raised almost $68,600 in contributions, including more than $20,500 in the three-month period that ended July 6, according to reports filed with the Manatee elections office.

Benac, who is challenging McClash for the at-large District 7 seat on the commission, had spent more than $23,900, leaving her with almost $35,000 in the bank for the final month of the campaign.

Benac's amounts dwarf those reported by McClash.

In the second quarter, McClash reported $5,075 in contributions, bringing his total haul to $6,575. He has spent a total $1,629.78, according to the elections office.

The winner of the primary will face two write-in candidates, Thomas Dell and Scot Findlay, the Nov. 6 general election. Neither has filed reports of contributions and expenditures, according to the elections office.

For a detailed look at the candidates' latest reports, including the names of donors, go here.


6 comments:

  1. Talk about a rubber stamper. Betsy is just what developers would like.

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  2. A "Developers Dream"! She can take over where the great "Donna Hayes" left off! Also, could you really trust an adult named "Betsy"?

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  3. Why isn't Joe McClash collecting the big funds that Betsy Benac is? Why? Think about it... BECAUSE HE DOES NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS FROM THE DEVELOPERS! Joe McClash represents the people and homeowners of Manatee County! And, he does a great job!

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  4. You mention Donn Hayes, don't forget her boy who she says will be the next "Donna Hayes"' John Colon, we need to make sure that doesn't happen.

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  5. Manatee County would be very fortunate to have Betsy as a member of our County Commissioners. She is a certified urban planner and has over thirty years of experience in that field. She also a LEED accredited professional with a demonstrated concern for our environment. Betsy understands that a community that is not growing and developing is dying. She will be able to help direct that growth in a thoughtful, planned way so that we all benefit. She has a demonstrated ability and desire to collaborate with other agencies which is something her opponent does not.

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  6. As a second generation manatee county resident since 1947,I can say with certainty joe Mcclash is the best canidate .he truly cares about what's best for manatee county in general ,and doesn't play political party games .He has always been a true representative of the people and never been to pawn of the real estate developers ,phosphate mining ,or any other private special interest .It would be a great loss for manatee county to lose ,his experience, guidance, and integrity as a leader .

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