Cooper outspending 158th District rivals

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Nathan Cooper spent nearly $57,000 during the first three weeks of July in his bid for the 158th District seat in the House of Representatives.

According to campaign finance disclosure reports covering July 1 through July 22, the other two hopefuls in the Aug. 3 Republican primary spent about $15,800 combined.

However, Phil Brinson had by far the most cash on hand -- $38,843 -- heading into the final stretch, while Eugene "Pete" Frazier III had brought in the most money during the recent reporting period.

Cooper, a Cape Girardeau lawyer, was left with $13,201 in the bank and had raised $2,200. At least 60 percent of that money came from donors outside of the 158th District, which covers most of the city of Cape Girardeau. His campaign has incurred $43,939 in debt.

Cooper's expenses included refunding contributions totaling $325 from donors who had given more than the $300 per person allowed by state law for a House race.

Frazier, a teacher at Cape Girardeau Central High School, listed total receipts of $5,275, including a $3,000 personal loan to his campaign. Of the $2,275 provided to him by contributors, only $300 was given by an out-of-district donor. Frazier had $117 left on hand.

Brinson, owner of Buckner Brewing Co. in Cape Girardeau, spent $7,192 during the reporting period while raising just $125.

With no Democrat seeking the office, the Republican primary winner will be unopposed in the general election and automatically replace outgoing state Rep. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608

Individual contributors who gave the maximum donation of $300 to candidates for the 158th District seat in the House of Representatives during the reporting period of July 1 through July 22. Listed are donor and city of residence:Nathan Cooper, R-Cape Girardeau

Cape Anesthesia Group, Cape Girardeau; Shalimar Corp., Cape Girardeau; Fountainbleau, Festus; Realtors PAC, Columbia; Rural Telecommunications Committee, Jefferson City.Eugene "Pete" Frazier III, R-Cape Girardeau

Kinder Enterprises Inc., Cape Girardeau; McLane Development Corp., Cape Girardeau; Christine Tinsley, Jackson; David Donley, Cape Girardeau; Frances Rhodes, Cape Girardeau.Phil Brinson, R-Cape Girardeau

None.

SOURCE: Missouri Ethics Commission