CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In the final sprint towards Chillicothe’s mayoral race on Tuesday, tens of thousands of dollars from outside groups are significantly shaping the financial landscape of the campaign. The three contenders in the race are Democrat Luke Feeney, Republican Julie Preston, and Independent Jade Berry.
Campaign finance reports mandated by the state lay bare a stark asymmetry in financial support, with a substantial influx of funds predominantly favoring incumbent Democrat Luke Feeney. Contributions from organizations outside of Chillicothe and Ross County have funneled into Feeney’s campaign coffers. Among these, the Laborers Union has pitched in $2,500, Affiliated Trade Construction has contributed $5,000, AFLCIO added $3,000, and the International Painters chipped in $2,500. Notably, another Democrat and unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate, Nan Whaley, extended $2,500 in support. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther provided a $500 contribution, attorney John Hasley from Athens gave $1,000, and the Ohio Democratic Party, where Feeney serves as the state Secretary, infused nearly $20,000 into his campaign.
Feeney has deployed his financial resources, allocating a significant portion towards advertising. Expenditures include $12,500 for digital advertising, $8,200 on radio spots, and substantial amounts on signs, shirts, and literature. As of October’s end, Feeney has spent almost $60,000 on his re-election bid, leaving approximately $90,000 in available funds.
Feeney is the Ohio Democratic Party’s secretary, has spoken at the Democratic National Convention for Hillary Clinton, and has been touted as the Democrats pick for Governor in the next state cycle; to say he has a lot riding on this election for his political future would be an understatement.
In stark contrast, Republican candidate Julie Preston’s campaign reflects a more modest financial landscape. Preston has spent just over $7,000, retaining around $9,500 in available funds. Her primary financial backer, aside from self-contributions, is local Republican and physician Anthony Phillips, who contributed $1,500. The bulk of Preston’s expenses has been directed towards campaign signs and postage for mailers.
Independent candidate Jade Berry has garnered around $9,000 in contributions, utilizing $5,500 for campaign-related expenses. The most substantial contribution to Berry’s campaign came from Jennifer Moore, an out-of-town donor residing in Otway, Ohio, who wrote a $5,000 check. Berry’s expenditures were primarily focused on printing costs.
Of notable local significance, Steve and Sheila Madru emerge as the biggest in-county local donors to Feeney’s campaign, a local dimension amid the influx of external funding. As the mayoral contenders approach the critical election day, the financial dynamics, marked by substantial contributions from external Democratic sources, could stand as a defining feature in the race for Chillicothe’s leadership.
