Email this article
Printable version
La Plata County Dems rake in contributions
Republican Party collects less than a fifth of opponents' take
Herald Staff Writer
Records with the Colorado secretary of state's office also show individual contributions figured prominently in donations to both parties, but the Democrats received support from the state organizers while local Republicans received none.
"That's been the trend in the last two election cycles, 2006 and 2008," said Ron Tate, the chairman of the county Republican Party. "Money has been tight, and we're a small area, so the money has been going to larger areas."
From Oct. 28, 2007, to Oct. 26, 2008, the La Plata County Democratic Party Central Committee received $60,784, according to the secretary of state. In the same period, the La Plata County Republican Party Central Committee received $11,938.
Numerous small contributions characterized the Democratic effort, said Jean Walter, the chairwoman of the county Democratic Party.
"It was amazing how people chipped in," Walter said. "We got a ton of small donations because people wanted to be part of the effort. That's the way they want our government to look."
All contributions to Republicans in La Plata County came from individuals, including a resident of Oklahoma City. Nothing was received from the state Republican organization. Donations ranged from $500 from a Durango couple to one period in which the party received no contributions. In one reporting period, donations of less than $20 totaled $5,375 of a total of $9,105; in another period, almost $1,400 was received in donations of fewer than $20 out of a total of $1,667.
The Democratic Party's top contributors in La Plata County were individuals, but most gave more than $20 each.
The other main contributors to the Democratic cause were the La Plata County and the state Democratic Party, but they provided less than $7,500 of the almost $61,000 the party received.
The Montezuma County Democratic Party Central Committee, a Cortez woman, and a man from Glenwood Springs also donated to La Plata County Democrats.
Over all, 444 individuals or party organizations contributed $20 or more to the Democratic campaign.
The Republican campaign received $20 or more from 57 individuals.
daler@durangoherald.com'>daler@durangoherald.com
advertisement
LIVE/WORK capability! Wake-up, grab your coffee and head downstairs to your office. This unique "Commercial Condo" is an End-Unit, and one of six units located in the Durango Tech Center. A perfect set-up for a professional looking to work and live in one location. Only a few minutes from downtown, there are two private offices, a conference room, and a one-bedroom fully equipped condo. Buyer to receive a seasons pass to Durango Mountain Resort at closing. MAIN LEVEL: The 607 square foot main level includes 2 private offices each with their own outdoor patio space, a conference room, a large handicap accessible half-bath, ample storage and closet space. UPPER LEVEL: The 705 square foot upper level has one bedroom (or third office), 3/4 bath, a fully equipped kitchen, living room (or second conference room) and a covered outdoor patio space. The stainless steel kitchen appliances include a side-by-side refrigerator, gas range/oven, dishwasher and microwave. The stackable washer and dryer are conveniently located off of the kitchen and near the bedroom. There is plenty of natural light provided by the skylight and the large south facing windows looking out towards Smelter Mountain. UTILITIES: Pre-wired for ethernet and satellite TV and the surround sound system is included. Air Conditioning and Gas Forced Heating. $350,000
Durango Herald Calendar of Events
