Show me the money ...
Fogle outpacing Watts in fundraising; both campaigns well-supported by families, friends, business leaders

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Wednesday, May 10, 2006, 2:10 a.m. -- Judge-executive Democratic primary candidates Dean Watts and Kenny Fogle started the final two weeks of their campaigns with nearly equal bank balances: $2,435 versus $2,437, respectively.

According to both candidates' campaign finance filings, Fogle has raised nearly $4,900 more than Watts in the same reporting period (Jan. 1 - May 1, 2006).

Watts' campaign reported contributions totaling $8,204. Fogle's campaign reported receipts totaling $13,068. This total includes a loan by Fogle to his campaign of $2,550, and an in-kind donation of $350 from Cox's Creek resident Frankie Cambron.

The reports show both men have received financial support from friends and family members, as well as some of the area's most influential businessmen and women.

The Nelson County Gazette began researching campaign contributions following recent remarks between the candidates about donations from sources outside the county.

Fogle's top contributors

Leading the list of contributors to Fogle's campaign are David Wheatley, the owner of Bardstown Auto Wreckers, and Keith Avis of Bardstown, both of whom have donations totaling $1,000.

Fogle's son Matt was among the $500 contributors. Others who donated $500 include Sheldon Nation of Shelbyville, president of Nation Brothers dead animal removal service; Medica Pharmacy owner Leon Claywell; developer Mike Wheatley of Bardstown; and Kurtis Ballard of New Haven.

The list of individuals who donated $200 to Fogle's campaign include Rooster Run founder Joe Evans; Kenny Fogle's father, Avon Fogle; Culvertown Minit Mart owner Louis Culver; Nelson County School Board chairman Frank Hall; and Eula Clark of Elizabethtown.

Fogle's $100 contributors include: WBRT radio host Ed Carty; John Newcomb of Bardstown; developer John Ballard; Kevin Brumley of Bardstown; Teddy Metcalfe of Loretto; Donnie Holt of Bloomfield; Guy Jones of Standford; and Jim Graham of Bardstown.

Watts campaign: Family connections

As with Fogle's campaign, many of Dean Watts' relatives are listed among his campaign contributors -- including several who gave $500.

The list of $500 donors includes Dean Watts' wife, Katy Watts; Rapier Smith and Violet Smith ($500 each); Francis R. "Frank" Smith; James H. and Margaret Downs ($500 together), all of Bardstown. Dean's sister, Debbie Blanford, donated $300 to her brother's campaign.

Developer George Ballard donated $250; Tom Ballard Jr. and Margaret Mary Ballard donated $200. Other $200 contributors include Bardstown businessman Chuck Parrish; Leroy Mudd, Matthew and Laura Greer.

The list of those who contributed $100 or less include Conway-Heaton owners Dick Heaton ($50) and Bill Conway ($99); Challen and Fran McCoy ($50 each), and Paul and Kim McCoy ($50 each).

Both candidates spent heavily for their own campaign materials and for their fundraising events during the reporting period. Advertising was a major expense for both campaigns.

Watts reported spending more than $2,000 for signs from Carey Sign Co. during the reporting period. Fogle's campaign laid out a combined total of more than $3,000 in March for TV and print advertising with PLG-TV 13 and The Kentucky Standard. Watts' financial reports did not list TV advertising expenditures, but it did show more than $1,200 in newspaper advertising.

With the election less than a week away, all contested primary candidates will be spending what they have left -- and possibly more -- in order to get their message out to voters by next Tuesday.