PARKERSBURG - Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell raised and spent nearly four times as much as his challengers to win re-election, according to campaign finance reports.
Newell raised and spent more than $69,900 in his bid for a third consecutive term, according to post-general financial statements due on Wednesday.
"I spent the money people give me," Newell said. "That's what they give it to me for."
The mayor's annual salary is $68,000.
Newell's report also includes campaign spending in the Democratic primary for mayor when he defeated challenger Gerald Board, who spent almost $17,000. Newell defeated Board by 99 votes.
Sharyn Tallman, the Republican challenger in the November general election, raised and spent a little more than $15,500. The out-going District 5 city council member lost the general election by 1,115 votes.
For the reporting period, Tallman reported $2,900 in contributions over the final weeks of the campaign. Contributions of $100 came from Frank Reynolds and Gene Butler. Matt Marion contributed $700, Bill Merriman contributed $500. Leanne Jurado contributed $1,000 and John Maston gave $500 to Tallman's campaign.
Tallman spent $3,200 on advertising in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
Tallman's campaign reported excess funds of $179. The campaign donated $100 to the Wood County Recreation Commission and $79.21 to Jackie Scott for gasoline and administrative costs.
Newell reported contributions from: David Caplinger, $50; D.E. Duty, $1,000; the Parkersburg Area Labor Council, $150; Friends of Dan Poling, $200; Jay W. Gerber, $50 and Judy Sheppard, $500. Poling was a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates District 10.
Newell spent more than $11,000 on advertising over the final two weeks of the general election.
The $69,970.03 he raised is the most Newell has spent on any of his previous mayoral campaigns. In 2008, he spent less than $20,000 to win re-election.
In 2005, Newell raised more than $38,000 and spent less than $35,000. His opponent Rick Modesitt, a former legislator and Wood County commissioner, raised and spent $72,000.
