Dean holds huge fundraising edge in bid to retain county commission seat
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
Incumbent Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean held a huge financial lead over challenger John Graham in their contest for the GOP nomination from District 3 in this year's election, according to the latest campaign disclosures filed in probate court here.
Dean is seeking a third four-year term representing south Mobile County on the three-member body. Graham, a former policeman who owns a martial arts gym in west Mobile, is making his second try for public office.
Dean reported a balance of more than $89,461 while Graham showed $8,269 in their 45-day pre-election reports of last week. Graham, however, had outspent Dean $18,591.12 to $6,520.79 in the campaign's early going.
Dean opened the period with a balance of $52,082.66 and raised contributions of $43,900. He also received "in-kind" contributions valued at $2,662.32.
Graham began his campaign with $10,580.17 in his account, raised $6,280 in contributions and loaned his effort $10,000.
The two will battle in the Republican primary on June 3.
Mobile County Democratic Party Chairman Brad Warren has qualified to face the winner of the GOP primary in the general election in the fall.
Among Dean's contributions were:
- Azalea City Contracting, $300; Azalea Enterprises, $250; BAB LLC, $500; Beard Equipment Co., $500; Ben M. Radcliff Contractors, $500; Champion Hills LLC, $500;
- Cushing Law Firm, $250; E.W. Brewer Quality HOmes, $500; Gleason & Associates, $100; Gulf Distributing, $500; H&P Limited, $250; Hagers Auto Sales, $200; JMH Development, $250;
- John Howard Homes, $250; Danny Mims, $1,000; Leds, Inc., $500; Lyons & Crane Attorneys, $1,000; Stephen Dampier & Associates, $500; Mark Swanson Builders, $500; McGuire Food Marts, $500; RSVP PAC, $500;
- Rib, Inc., $500; Roy Lewis Construction, $500; Sonny Callahan and Associates, $250; South Alabamians for Good Government, $500; Wattier Surveying, $500; C. William Barnhill, Ph.D, $500;
- Randy Billingsley, $1,000; Chad R. Brown, $500; Joel B. Bullard Jr., $250; Keith Bumpers, $1,000; George M. Callahan, $500; H.L. "Sonny" Callahan, $250; Rod W. Cooke, $1,000;
- Counts Centre, $250; Marl M. Cummings III, $100; Michael C. Daniels, $1,000; Pamela O. Edwards, $500; Dan Elcan, $500; Brian C. Fahrenthold, $400; Marilyn R. Fore, $2,500; South Alabama PAC of Higher, $5,000;
- Marshall Gardner, $250; Palmer Hamilton, $500; John Howard Construction, $250; John Howard, $250; HD 90 LLC, $1,000; D.R. Jordan Sr., $500; Joe Carl "Buzz" Jordan, $1,000; Pierce Ledyard, P.C., $250; Anthony Marcopulos, $1,000;
- Edward Massey, $250; Matt McDonald, $1,000; Matt Metcalfe, $1,000; Abe Mitchell, $500; Helen Adams Morales, $500; Timothy G. Morris, $1,000; Harris V. Morrissette, $1,000; Mrs. Taylor Morrissette, $200;
- Mark Nix, $500; L&W Developers, $500; Cabell Outlaw III, $500; Rayford Richardson, $250; Tim Richardson, $250; Johnna and Richard Rogers, $100; Mickie Russell, $250; Henry R. Seawell III, $500;
- Ronnie Snider, $500; Green and Paige Suttles, $1,000; Gary M. Tillman, $500; Bestor Ward, $500; Richard Williams, $1,000; and Robert Zimmerman, $250.
Graham's financial backers included:
- Anna's Seafood, $200; Alabama Roll, $1,000; Fadalla's Auto Air and Detail, $500; Papa Rod, Inc., $200; Rodriguez Boat Builders, $1,000; F/V. Nemesis Freedom Fishing, $200;
- Integrity Fishing, $200; Sea Eagle Fisheries, $200; Terry Batchelor, $200; Richard M. Reeves, $500; Auto World Salvage and Sales, $500; North Mobile Fitness, $125;
- CCD Fitness, $125; A.J. Krause, $250; Maples & Fontenot, $250; DRG Painting, $225; Shelbie J. Rogers, $250; Roger Koch, $100;
- "Miscellaneous," $1,525; LaBit Heating & A/C Service $250; Triple H, $1,000; John Graham, $1,000; Dante Piccini, $450; Carolyn Raybon dba Airport Dawes Barber Shop;
- Betty Freeman, dba The Health Hut, $100; CeCe Hylton, $250; Corsentino Spinal Health, $250; Blue Haven Pools, $100; Country Roads Transport, $100; James Lester, $100;
- Rodriguez Brothers LLC, $500; Papa Rod Inc., $200; Sea Eagle Fisheries, $200; Integrity Fishing, $200; Bear Johnson, $100; Lloyd Bailey, $25;
- Randall V. Prewitt dba Spanish Trail Stamps, $50; Omni Signs, $100; Gilbert Diza, Jr., $1,000; Steven Roppoli, $250; C.E. Collier & Associates, $500; Willard Rogers Painting, $500;
- "Miscellaneous Fundraiser," $505; Larry Gill, $250; "Miscellaneous Fundraiser," $500; Steven Lamkin, $100; James. W. Gill, $50; First Person Inc., $500; Cecil O. Tanner, $500; and (state Sen.) Rusty Glover, $250.
The Mobile GOP will host a debate between the two candidates Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Creekwood Church of Christ, 1901 Schillinger Road South.
The public may submit questions for the debate in writing via email or that evening at the debate. A name and address should be included with the submission; questions can be emailed to the contact listed below.
Panelists participating in the debate are: Rhoda Pickett, Mobile Press-Register; Chip Drago, Mobile Bay Times; and Greg Peterson, NBC 15 News. The debate will last no more than 90 minutes, according to event sponsors.
The debate is open to the public. Refreshments will be available.
The news media is invited to cover the event. For more information contact Pete Riehm, Mobile GOP, telephone (251) 442-4349 or email riehm@bellsouth.net.
