Poplar Bluff businessman leads in fundraising for 25th Senate race

Poplar Bluff businessman Doug Libla, a republican candidate for the 25th Senate District seat, led candidates in campaign contributions for the first quarter of 2012 with contributions of $117,750.

Current District 162 Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, a Democrat, was second with $93,154. District 159 Rep. Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, a Republican, reported $22,840 in donations for the quarter.

Libla and Wright will meet in the August primary election with the winner to face Swinger in the November general election.

Libla was boosted by a $100,000 campaign contribution from Eagle Investments Corporation at 2700 Central Ave. in Poplar Bluff. The company is listed as a financial service provider. The total contributions to Libla's senate campaign from Eagle Investments is $132,790.80. Libla has $331,733.72 in his campaign finance fund, according to the report filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Swinger raised $93,154 for the quarter, all from contributions of $5,000 or less. His disclosure with the Missouri Ethics Commission shows 297 donations for the quarter. Many of the contributions come from farmers or farm-related businesses in the Bootheel. Also providing a large portion of the contributions were optometrists or other eye care providers or businesses. Swinger is an optometrist from Caruthersville.

The Missouri Ethics Commission filing shows Swinger has $235,142 in his campaign finance fund.

Wright reported $22,840 in campaign contributions for the quarter. He reported 20 contributions, all $2,000 or less, and mostly from the Dexter area. Wright reported having $55,603.53 in his campaign finance fund.