Mayoral candidate Andrew Struthers reported $11,898.40 in campaign contributions, incumbent Mayor Charles Maughan reported $4,430.84. This is according to Oregon’s ORESTAR campaign finance records.
So, like Ward 1, there is a fairly large gap between candidates.
(Photo: www.struthersformayor.com/Charles Maughan LinkedIn)
The largest contribution source between either campaign is the Oregon Realtors Political Action Committee, which gave Struthers $9,156.50 through two separate cash contributions.
This particular contributor is listed in state records as the Oregon Realtors PAC. The Willamette Association of Realtors, which has endorsed Struthers, is part of that broader Realtor association network. The PAC provides a process for local associations to request contributions to candidates.
Oregon Realtors PAC says its “trustees decide which candidates receive financial support based on their positions on issues affecting the real estate industry.”
Take what you want from that.
Maughan’s donors include some recognizable names of people who hold elected offices or local Democratic Party roles.
Gabe Shepherd contributed $1,000 in cash. Shepherd is a Benton County commissioner and former Corvallis city councilor. Shepherd is also listed by the Democratic Party of Oregon as chair of the Benton County Democrats. The contribution is reported under his name, rather than as a donation from the county or the party.
State Rep. Farrah Chaichi, a Democrat representing Beaverton and Aloha in House District 35, contributed $101 to Maughan. Danielle Chambers, a candidate for our Ward 7 City Council seat, gave $100. It’s like the PG version of friends with benefits.
Maughan also received $1,000 from Val Hoyle for Congress, the campaign committee of the Democratic congresswoman who represents Corvallis in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. Hoyle had previously served as Oregon’s labor commissioner and House majority leader.
There is one other donation(s) that is interesting, or at least we feel it is, a familiar name appears on both candidates’ donor lists… Karyle Butcher. Karyle gave $200 to each campaign. Butcher is a former Corvallis city councilor and retired Oregon State University library leader who chairs the Corvallis League of Women Voters’ housing committee.
As far as we can find, her personal donations do not constitute an endorsement by the League. Maybe chalk that one up to supporting people running for public office.
Which we all can support.
This article was written by Jesse Grant, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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