THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 30, 1996 TAG: 9610300432
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RALEIGH LENGTH: 68 lines
Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. has raised nearly $10 million in his re-election bid, while Republican challenger Robin Hayes has borrowed more than $3 million from himself and his mother to finance his campaign, the candidates' finance reports indicate.
All told, the candidates' combined spending of at least $14.7 million already surpasses the previous gubernatorial record of $14 million spent in 1984, when Republican Jim Martin defeated Democrat Rufus Edmisten.
Chuck Fuller, Hayes' campaign manager, told The News & Observer of Raleigh that Hayes felt he needed to spend his own money to remain competitive.
``He was not well known across the state when he first started the campaign,'' Fuller said. ``He wanted to invest his money in changing the state. He feels like this is an investment in the state of North Carolina.''
Hayes reported raising nearly $3 million in contributions, loaning himself $1.6 million and getting another $1.5 million in loans from his mother, who is part of the Cannon textile family.
Hayes had spent $5.6 million through Oct. 18, according his finance report.
Hunt, meanwhile, raised $9.7 million and spent $9.1 million as of Oct. 18.
The amount exceeds his $9 million goal and the $7.4 million he collected in his 1992 campaign.
Hunt officials said nearly 15,000 people have given to the campaign.
``The large number of people supporting our campaign shows that the people of this state want us to finish the job,'' Hunt said in a statement Monday.
Hunt has benefited from the fact that there were primary runoffs in two Council of State races this spring.
Usually, individuals and political action committees can contribute a maximum of $8,000 to candidates - $4,000 for the primary and $4,000 for the general election. But because of the runoffs, all candidates for state offices can receive an additional $4,000 for a maximum of $12,000.
Hunt's campaign finance report Monday indicates that over 30 individuals have contributed more than $8,000 each.
In other races, the finance reports indicate that stock-car legend Richard Petty has raised and spent more than twice the amount of Democrat Elaine Marshall in the Secretary of State's race.
Petty's campaign reported raising $577,155 this year, and spending $547,851 through Oct. 18. Marshall reported raising $268,002 and spending $244,900 for the same period.
Recent polls have shown Marshall with a slight lead over Petty.
Petty's report indicates cash contributions from ``sale of campaign merchandise,'' a regular feature of Petty campaign stops.
It also shows that Petty has spent nearly $4,000 with a Texas company for cowboy hats as gifts for people who hosted campaign events. Marshall had over $23,000 cash on hand going into the final three weeks of the campaign, while Petty was $13,845 in the red.
In congressional races, Democratic challenger Bob Etheridge has raised more money this year than incumbent Republican Rep. David Funderburk in the 2nd District.
Campaign reports indicate Funderburk has raised $540,708 for the year, while Etheridge raised $554,245. Funderburk spent $742,735 for the year, while Etheridge has spent $474,140.
Democratic challenger David Price also has raised more money this year than incumbent Republican Fred Heineman, who unseated Price two years ago in the 4th District.
In the 7th District, where two newcomers are vying to replace retiring Rep. Charlie Rose, Democrat Mike McIntyre raised more than Republican Bill Caster.
McIntyre, a Lumberton attorney, raised $284,606 this year and spent $267,870. Caster, a New Hanover County businessman, raised $196,072 and spent $166,291.
KEYWORDS: CAMPAIGN FINANCE 1996 by CNB