Two candidates for Pitkin County commissioner have raised money so far in this month’s primary race. Carolyn Sackariason has the details.
Greg Poschman has raised nearly $8,000. His opponent, Hawk Greenway, says he has raised just over $1,500. The third candidate, Scott Writer, turned in a campaign finance report on Tuesday, reporting zero dollars raised or spent.
Poschman’s contributors are longtime residents who have been involved for decades in politics and community issues — former Aspen mayor Bill Stirling gave Poschman $200 — and philanthropists and ranchers John and Laurie McBride gave him a combined $1,000.
Poschman has spent just over $3,000 on campaign materials, with the biggest expenditure on newspaper advertising.
Greenway hadn’t filed his paperwork by the June 7 deadline but says he raised around $1,595 and has spent $1,200 — on a fundraiser and advertising.
The county’s home rule charter stipulates that if more than two candidates vie for one commissioner seat, it automatically triggers a primary election, regardless of party affiliation. Voters can only choose one candidate. The two with the most votes advance to the November election.