Finance reports shed light on notable races in Delaware

DOVER — Candidates for the Sept. 13 primary election had until midnight Aug. 14 to submit their 30-day campaign finance reports.

These statements offer insight on the support each campaign has received 30 days prior to the primary. Each lists the amount of each contribution and the address and name of each donor, who can range from typical residents, other candidates’ election committees, political action committees and more.

With the absence of polling projections for Delaware, campaign finance reports can be an indication of voters’ upcoming choices.

Auditor of accounts

Lydia York, the Wilmington-based attorney challenging incumbent Democratic State Auditor Kathy McGuiness, raised nearly double the amount of her opponent. Ms. York, a Republican, collected $47,220, in addition to receiving a $10,100 loan. Thirty days prior to the primary, she had just over $30,000 on hand after spending nearly $27,300 on her campaign.

Ms. McGuiness, who was found guilty July 1 of three misdemeanors related to her time in office, raised $24,190 after starting with $61,362. After spending over $14,000, Ms. McGuiness has $71,363 remaining.

Several Democratic legislators who have called for the auditor’s removal contributed to Ms. York’s campaign, including Sen. Sarah McBride of Wilmington, Rep. Paul Baumbach of Newark and House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst of Bear. In recent weeks, Ms. York has ramped up campaign efforts, holding fundraising events attended by many members of the General Assembly.

The only legislator to donate to Ms. McGuiness’ campaign was her longtime political ally and friend, Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, who contributed $1,200 in April.

Senate District 16

In the three-way Republican primary for the seat representing the 16th Senate District, Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Eric Buckson has raised more than his opponents, Kim Petters and incumbent Sen. Colin Bonini.

Mr. Buckson has raised nearly $24,500, compared to Sen. Bonini’s $13,525 and Ms. Petters’ $8,385. After expenditures, Mr. Buckson has almost $5,200 on hand, and Ms. Petters’ has $3,560. Despite spending nearly what he raised, Sen. Bonini has far more cash on hand than his opponents with nearly $46,100 due to his beginning balance.

Sen. Bonini received contributions from a number of political action committees connected to agencies such as the Delaware Restaurant Association, state troopers and the Delaware Chiropractic Society.

Mr. Buckson received a campaign contribution from former Republican candidate for lieutenant governor LaMar Gunn, while Ms. Peters received a contribution from former state Sen. Greg Lavelle.

Senate District 14

Each candidate in the crowded five-way primary to replace the seat of retiring-Sen. Bruce Ennis, D-Smyrna, has reported their campaign finances, and Local 255 Council Representative Sam Noel has raised the most with over $20,160 in contributions.

Mr. Noel has spent over $13,200 on his campaign and has just under $7,000 left. His contributions have come from local unions, political action committees representing local unions, Rep. Kim Williams, D-Newport, Rep. Larry Lambert, D-Claymont, Sen. Darius Brown, D-Wilmington, and several election committees.

State of Delaware employee Robert Sebastiano has raised nearly $1,850, though after receiving a $7,500 loan, and campaign expenditures, he has $614 cash on hand prior to the primary election.

Kyra Hoffner, an activist and lobbyist for the League of Women Voters, started with a beginning balance of $7,946, and after raising nearly $11,000, she has just over $8,250 remaining after factoring in expenditures.

Her notable campaign contributions include Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, 6th Representative District Democratic primary candidate Becca Cotto, and 21st Representative District Democratic candidate Frank Burns.

Owner and president of Smyrna-based pharmacy, Atlantic Apothecary, Kevin Musto has raised just over $14,500 for his campaign. With 30 days left until the primary election, Mr. Musto has nearly $6,300 on hand after campaign expenditures.

Michael “Tater” Hill-Shaner, a former doctoral intern with Sen. Ennis and educational leader, has raised $8,435 according to his 30-day campaign finance report. Mr. Hill-Shaner has $62.44 left for his campaign after expenditures, which includes in-kind receipts for items such as food for fundraiser events, which he received from his family’s business, Smyrna’s Main Street Market. The report also showed that Mr. Hill-Shaner’s campaign received a contribution from Sen. Ennis’ election committee.