Justice of the peace top spender

Incumbent Jim EnEarl spent just over $89,000 in his bid for East Fork Justice of the Peace, more than any other candidate in Douglas County. About $48,000, came out of his own pocket, according to his Oct. 31 disclosure statement.

Sen. Mark Amodei, who represents part of Douglas County, provided $1,000, the largest contribution to EnEarl's campaign listed in the county's records. Most other contributions were in the range of $250 to $500, from locals like Minden resident Gary Minter and Scottsdale Plumbing of Gardnerville.

His opponent Kelly Chase collected $19,763. Large contributions came from The Malkmus Revocable Trust and L.A. Thomas Co., who donated $3,500 and $3,000, respectively.

Campaign 2006 is marked by a number of contests that could be close, including the District 2 County Commission race between Republicans Dave Brady, the incumbent, and long-time Douglas County broadcaster Lloyd Higuera.

Brady received $11,064 in contributions for his campaign, most coming from residents and locals like the Sierra Nevada Republican Women. Jacques Etchegoyhen, who preceded Brady in the commission seat, contributed $200 to Brady's campaign and Topaz Lodge contributed $500.

Higuera received twice that amount, or $23,955, including $2,000 from Park Cattle Company and $1,000 from D&M Von Hamert. Many contributions were in the $500 range from local entities like Eagle Ridge of Genoa and Painter Construction.

In the race for the District 4 county commission seat, Republican Nancy McDermid is facing Lake Tahoe resident and Democrat, Greta Hambsch.

McDermid listed a total of $57,657 in contributions, but more than $36,000 of that was her own money.

Much of the balance came in increments ranging from $1,000 to $200, including a $1,000 contribution from Park PAC, $500 from Eagle Ridge of Genoa and $300 from local realtor Marsha Tomerlin.

Her opponent Greta Hambsch garnered $25,142 for her campaign. Contributions came primarily from residents like Jessica Ledbetter of Gardnerville, who gave $500, and the Douglas County Democratic Women, who contributed $400.

Robert and Tim Morrey of Portland, Ore. donated $2,500 each and David Olivo of South Lake Tahoe contributed $200.

Republican James Settelmeyer received almost $58,000 in his bid for the District 39 Assembly seat, about $20,000 more than his opponent, Democrat JoEtta Brown.

Settelmeyer's contributions include $3,000 from the Nevada Motor Transportation Association, as well as numerous $1,000 contributions from entities like the Assembly Republican Caucus, the Nevada Bankers' Association and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Brown conducted her campaign using $38,164 in contributions. The Nevada State Education Association contributed $2,000 and the Forward Together PAC in Alexandria, Va., $5,000.

More than 5,000 voters, or a sixth of Douglas County's 30,000 voters, showed up for early voting this year.

Early voting ends today, but just four days remain before this year's Nov. 7 general election. County officials are ready, with 34 precincts in Carson Valley and Topaz Ranch Estates alone.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

BREAKOUT

The following figures were obtained from campaign disclosure statements filed in the Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer's office. Figures are relevant for the timespan from Jan. 1 to Oct. 26, 2006.

• East Fork Justice of the Peace candidate Jim EnEarl collected $89,148 in contributions for his campaign and spent $87,691.

• East Fork Justice of the Peace candidate Kelly Chase collected 19,763 for his campaign and spent $48,354, the balance out of his own pocket.

• District 2 Commission candidate David Brady collected $11,064 for his campaign and spent $9,687.

• District 2 Commission candidate Lloyd Higuera collected $23,955 for his campaign and spent $21,933.

• District 4 Commission candidate Nancy McDermid collected $62,389 for her campaign and spent $52,710.

• District 4 Commission candidate Greta Hambsch collected $25,142 for her campaign and spent $24,683.

• District 39 Assembly candidate James Settelmeyer collected $57,936 for his campaign and spent $46,007.

• District 39 Assembly candidate JoEtta Brown collected $38,164 for her campaign and spent $29,464.