Krolicki leads fundraising despite indictment

CARSON CITY — Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki has raced to a fundraising lead over his Democratic opponents, despite not having much chance to seek contributions until after a judge threw out indictments against him on Dec. 7.

“We raised $100,000 in the last 11 days of 2009,” Krolicki said today about the campaign contribution and expense form he filed with the secretary of state.

That form shows he raised $139,256 in 2009, while spending $49,839.

His closest Democratic challenger, Reno City Councilwoman Jessica Sferrazza, reported $105,796 in contributions and $19,498 in expenditures.

Another Democratic lieutenant governor candidate, Reno businessman Robert Randazzo, said he raised $27,900 and spent $27,568.

The report for Paul Murad, a Las Vegas businessman and a third Democratic candidate, was not available at the close of business today.

Campaign contribution reports for candidates who raised at least $100 were due today, although candidates who mailed in their reports will not be counted as missing the deadline as long as their letters are postmarked today.

Indictments charging that Krolicki mishandled state money when he served as treasurer were dismissed by District Judge Valerie Adair.

Krolicki also filed a report for the legal defense fund he formed to raise money to hire lawyers to fight the indictment. That report shows he raised $61,271 for his legal defense and spent $218,601 in 2009.

But the lieutenant governor in January 2009 reported he had raised $163,660 in contributions for his legal defense and spent only $2,115.

Adding them all up shows people contributed more than $400,000 to him in the last 13 months even though the economy was in a recession, Krolicki said.

“We are grateful to people for their emotional support and their financial support, especially during a bad economy,” Krolicki said. “It shows people have faith in my ability as a public servant.”

Also filing campaign reports were four other statewide officers who are seeking re-election:

— Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, reported $173,303 in contributions and $38,665 in expenses.

— Secretary of State Ross Miller, a Democrat, reported $216,400 in contributions and $36,200 in expenses.

— State Treasurer Kate Marshall, a Democrat, reported $64,080 in contributions and $6,524 in expenses

— State Controller Kim Wallin, a Democrat, reported $9,520 in contributions and $701 in expenses.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.