Porter County candidates turn in campaign finance reports
By Amy Lavalley Post-Tribune correspondent October 19, 2012 3:20PM
Updated: November 21, 2012 6:09AM
VALPARAISO — Mike Heinold, Republican candidate for Porter County’s South County Board of Commissioners seat, has raised the most since the primary for his election bid, according to campaign finance reports that were due at noon Friday.
Heinold has garnered $55,168 in the run-up to the November election. One of his largest donors, HealtheAccess, kicked in $5,000; the health clinic is part of the county’s health plan.
His Democratic contender, Laura Blaney, who currently holds an at-large seat on the Porter County Council, has raised $46,877, mostly from family; her own loan of $13,000 to her campaign; and local labor organizations.
Republican John Evans, who is running unopposed to retain his seat representing North County as a commissioner and is president of the board, has raised $38,063 since the May primary.
Democrat Mike Bucko, unopposed in his run for another term as county treasurer, raised $6,262.
As far as the council race goes — three at-large seats are up for grabs — Republican Ralph Neff has raised the most money, at $21,067. He received a $1,000 donation from Gariup Construction, which has a contract with the county to replace the Evergreen Avenue bridge.
Democrat Dan Whitten, an incumbent and council president, has raised $18,588, mostly from other Democratic candidates, fellow attorneys and labor organizations, as well as his own loan.
Republican council candidate Mark Hoffman has raised $12,572, and Joe Wszolek, another Republican council candidate, has raised $11,061.
Democratic council candidate Bob Poparad is using $10,000 of his own money for the election, and incumbent Democrat Sylvia Graham has raised $8,599.
Democrat William Alexa, in a bid to retain his seat as Superior Court II judge, has raised $30,036, while his opponent, Anthony Pampalone, brought in $18,503.
In the surveyor’s race, Republican Rich Hudson has received $3,384, and incumbent Kevin Breitzke, the incumbent, is funding his own campaign for $2,500.
