With a little more than three weeks left before the March 1 Republican primaries in Alabama, local candidates have reported spending more than $109,000 on their campaigns.

Based on Fair Campaign Practice Act reports filed with the Secretary of State, most of that total has been spent in the race for circuit judge in the 22nd judicial circuit, where Corey Bryan and Ben Bowden are vying for the office being vacated by Judge Ashley McKathan. Bryan and Bowden have reported expenses of $75,034.

Bowden, who is the current probate judge, has received $48,107 in cash and in-kind contributions.

Of that, Bowden has contributed $11,764 to his campaign.

His largest contributions came from Roy Mohon, $10,000; Lawrence and Sara Bowden, $3,500; Charles Roland, $1,500; William H. Albritton IV, $1,000; Henderson Sewing Machine, $1,000; George E. Barnes, $1,000; Gary or Debbi Smith, $1,000; and Covington Heavy Duty Parts, $1,000.

He has reported spending $41,669, primarily for advertising and signs.

Bryan, who practices law in Andalusia, has received $35,450 in cash and in-kind contributions to his campaign.

Of that, Bryan has contributed $10,000.

His largest contributions came from Franklin PAC, $2,500; Palmer & Sons, $2,000; Walker Veterinary Services, $1,000; Steven or Debbie Walker, $1,000; Michael Harper, $1,000; John A. Taylor, $1,000; Don Bullard, $1,000; and Danny McLeod, $1,000.

Bryan has reported expenses of $33,365, primarily for advertising and signs.

 

District Attorney

District Attorney Walt Merrell, who is unopposed in his quest for reelection, has reported receiving contributions totaling $19,699 for his campaign.

Merrell’s largest contributions were $1,000 each from Don Bullard, Earl Harper, James Gang Amusement, King & Burkhardt, Palmer & Sons, Rudy King and Tammy Holt Farms.

He reported expenses of $6,223, including his qualifying fees, and for sponsorships of several events.

Candidates for local offices file reports with the probate judge’s office. A review of those files on Friday included reports filed in the following races.

 

County Commission Chairman

• Incumbent Bill Godwin reported $3,657 in expenses.

• Challenger Greg White reported $4,034 in expenses.

 

County

Commission,

District 3

• Tony Holmes reported expenses of $2,290.

 

County

Commission,

District 4

• Allen Lucas reported expenses of $1,378.

• Kyle Adams reported expenses of $4,696.

• Kylan Lewis reported expenses of $2,098.

 

Board of

Education,

Place 3

• Challenger James Barton reported expenses of $1,979.

• Incumbent Lynda Powell reported expenses of $8,875.

Those candidates not listed did not report contributions or expenses.

Candidates are required to begin filing contribution and expense reports once they hit the $1,000 threshold. Reports are filed monthly, up until the month prior to the election, when reports must be filed weekly. The first weekly reports are due Monday.

Probate Judge Ben Bowden said that while state law requires candidates to file FCPA contribution and expense reports, it does not require officials to monitor or check the reports.

However, that will change in 2018, when officials can fine candidates for late reports.