House District 44 candidates competitive in fund collection
By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICANFact Box
MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
Annette Sweeney
Lavone Kruse, Iowa Falls, $1,000
TJ Kruse, Iowa Falls, $500
Nicholas or Kelly Ryan, Des Moines, $500
Don & Kathy Stockdale, Iowa Falls, $500
Bruce Rastetter, Ames, $500
Steven or Glenda Howard, Iowa Falls, $500
Tim Hoy
Kenneth Dunn, Colorado, $1,000
Cornelia Throssel, Eldora, $500
Steven Gates, Illinois, $500
Hardin County Democrat Central Committee, Iowa Falls, $500
James & Virginia Hoy, Eldora, $300
Both candidates in House District 44 are competitive in their fund-raising efforts as the campaigns move into the final weeks.
Democrat Tim Hoy and Republican Annette Sweeney are locked in a tight battle for an open seat in the district that includes much of Hardin and Marshall counties, other than the city of Marshalltown. The seat is open and has been targeted by both parties as a potential win.
"It shows the locals are very excited," Sweeney said. "People I grew up with and people I've done business with are very supportive."
She reports that all her bills are paid and she is in very good standing moving into these final weeks.
"It is important in order to be able to get your message out," she said.
During the reporting period ending in July, Sweeney had slightly more cash on hand -- listed at $6,585.54. Hoy had $6,290.54.
The margin between the donations may closely measure the margin of one of the candidates may have over the other.
Hoy was a strong challenger two years ago to Rep. Polly Granzow, R-Eldora, who retired from her seat earlier this year. Hoy believes the fund-raising situation is so close because of Granzow's retirement.
"It's probably the product of an open race," Hoy said. "Naturally, if you have an incumbent, there is some advantage."
Of Sweeney's six largest contributors, all are within the state and four are from within the district, specifically Hardin County.
Hoy has similar numbers. Of his five largest contributors, three are from within the state. Those three are all in the district. The other two are from Colorado and Illinois, respectively.
Candidates have one more reporting period before the general election Nov. 4.
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Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com
