Graham raised, spent more than rivals

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In the two-weeks prior to the May 20 primary, Harry "Gippy" Graham raised and spent more money than his two main rivals for mayor of Frankfort.

Graham won an overwhelming victory, carrying all the city's 28 precincts. According to official results, Graham received 5,069 votes, beating Frankfort Commissioner Lynn Bowers, with 2,060 votes, and businesswoman Phyllis Liebman, with 1,638.

Bowers and Graham will face off in the general election on Nov. 4.

According to data from the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, Graham reported raising $900 in the final days and spent about $2,500, mostly on advertising. He reported about $3,200 on hand with no outstanding debts.

Supporters included Wayne Dunn, 101 Bradburn Ct., retired, in-Kind, $66.05; Tom Preston, 23 Goshen, senior advisor to Gov. Steve Beshear, $250; and Mike Wood, 74 Riverbend, retired, in-Kind $28.62.
Graham also reported $600 in unitemized contributions. (Candidates are not required to report individual contributions of less than $100.)

The State Journal previously reported that Graham received contributions from several notable supporters, including former State Journal publisher Al Dix, retired realtor Jack McDonald and Bruce Dungan.
Graham is a former state representative, teacher and coach; despite his overwhelming victory, Graham said he'll continue to work hard in the general election this fall.

Bowers reported raising $500 and spent $600, mostly on a victory celebration at Jim's Seafood. She had about $2,600 on hand after the election but also reported a personal loan of about $4,500 to her own campaign.

She listed one individual contributor, Brenda Nichols, Georgetown, director of human resources at the Kentucky Horse Park, $200; a $75 cash contribution; and $250 that were not itemized.

Bowers is a professor at Kentucky State University and said she'll need to do a better job of raising money during the general election.

Liebman reported $1,000 in contributions in the last two weeks of the primary election and spent $4,500, mostly on advertisements. She ended the campaign with about $2,000 on hand.

Supporters included Tom Midkiff, 219 W. 3rd St., financial advisor, state government, $50, and Donald Vish, Louisville, attorney, $250. Liebman listed $700 in unitemized contributions.

The State Journal previously reported she also received $1,000 each from Robert and Emily Gable and lesser contributions from realtor Pat Layton and attorney Bob Bullock.

Perennial candidate Doug Williams got 168 votes and National Guard veteran Thomas Munn received 151. Neither candidate reported any contributions during the primary election.