Owens hits $5 million mark in re-election bid By Matt Sebastian
Camera Staff Writer
DENVER — Gov. Bill Owens has raised more than $5 million in his re-election bid, eclipsing the $700,000 brought in by his Democratic opponent.
Owens, a Republican, raised $114,240 in cash and in-kind contributions between April 26 and May 25, according to finance reports filed Monday.
The governor's opponent, Boulder businessman Rollie Heath, raised $91,835 in cash and contributions during that same period.
Owens' campaign has $3.9 million in cash on hand, while Heath has $315,131 in his war chest, according to records filed with the Colorado secretary of state.
"We raised $90,000, so I feel real good about that," said Mark Eddy, Heath's spokesman. "That was more than twice as much as we raised in the previous period. Our campaign is catching on."
Heath, who spent nearly $37,000 on consulting services during the reporting period, received $5,000 contributions from family members and Fort Collins resident Pat Stryker, records show.
He also reported lesser contributions from several local politicians, including state Rep. Todd Saliman, D-Boulder, and University of Colorado Regent Robert Sievers, also a Democrat.
Although nearly all of Heath's contributions were cash, Owens reported more than $40,000 worth of in-kind donations to his campaign, including $7,500 in catering provided by Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and his wife, Peggy.
The governor received a pair of $5,000 contributions, from Verizon Communications and Fort Collins resident Chad C. McWhinney.
During the most recent reporting period, Owens received just two contributions from Boulder residents. Mike Anastasia and Mary Tiao gave the governor's campaign a combined $35.
Owens' team reported they have received funding from 7,500 donors to date.
"Reaching the $5 million mark is a milestone for our campaign," said Sean Tonner, the governor's campaign manager.
Contact reporter Matt Sebastian at (303) 473-1498 or sebastianm@thedailycamera.com
June 4, 2002
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