Statehouse challenger fights incumbent's fat bank account

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Challenger Cecilia Fallert of Perryville continued to raise more money than incumbent state Rep. Tom Burcham of Farmington during the second quarter of 2002, according to the latest campaign finance disclosure reports.

Burcham began the year with a sizable bank balance and as of June 30 still had better than five times more cash available than his opponent in the Aug. 6 primary for the 106th District seat.

Burcham, who is seeking a second term, has raised just $1,325 this year, all during the period of April 1 to June 30 covered by reports submitted Monday to the Missouri Ethics Commission. After spending $2,390.84, Burcham still had $11,953.57 on hand. Burcham's report didn't list individual donors or otherwise indicate the sources of his contributions.

While raising $5,088 in the last quarter, Fallert spent $6,120.02 and had only $2,203.47 remaining plus $1,600 in outstanding debt. Her report listed five itemized donations totaling $1,300.

The Republican nominee will face Democrat Dennis W. Smith, a Farmington city councilman, in November.

Smith didn't start fund raising in April but still collected $2,770 while spending $988.21 to leave him with $1,681.79.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608

WHO GAVE WHAT TO WHOM

Itemized contributions to candidates for state representative in the 106th District for the reporting period of April 1 through June 30. Listed are donor, city of residence and amount:

Dennis W. Smith,

D-Farmington

Jim and Nancy Dismuke, Farmington, $150; Citizens for Abel, Festus, $300; Ferguson Timber Co., Farmington, $200; St. Francois County Democrat Club, Farmington, $250; Missouri Laborers, Jefferson City, $300; Missouri Laborers Local 718, DeSoto, $300; Missouri Laborers Local 916, Farmington, $300; Mineral Area Labor Legislative Club, Park Hills, $300; Missouri UAW, Hazelwood, $300; Ron Bockenkamp, Farmington, $100.

Cecilia Fallert,

R-Perryville

Francine and Robert Ray, Perryville, $300; Carolyn Hurst, Okeechobee, Fla., $300; R.J. Moeckel, Perryville, $250; Robinson Construction Co., Perryville, $200; Jerry P. Ernst, Perryville, $250.

Tom Burcham,

R-Farmington

No itemized donations reported.