Two Democratic county commission contenders report spending a combined $1.5 million in race

In the primary election’s most competitive Clark County Commission race, two Democratic candidates have spent nearly a combined $1.5 million for District B.

Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross has been outspent by incumbent commissioner and former Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick by more than $200,000.

Ross reported spending $602,190 through June 9, and spent nearly one-third of that amount in the past three weeks leading up to the primary, between May 21 and June 9. In his most recent spurt of spending before Tuesday’s primary, the bulk of it went to advertising-related expenses.

Comparatively, Kirkpatrick reported spending $811,929, and about one-eighth in the past three weeks, with more than half going toward advertising and polling.

Both candidates have committed more money than what’s in their campaign coffers, according to finance reports filed last Friday with the secretary of state’s office. Kirkpatrick raised $470,927, twice as much as Ross’ $232,354.

Neither of the Republican candidates vying for the District B seat has come close. Kevin M. Williams raised $6,285 and has spent $2,185, while opponent Chris Dyer reported zeros for both categories.

Incumbents in other commission districts up for election this year – Democrats with no opposition from other Democratic candidates – will skip the primary ballot and go directly to the general election in November.

Campaign finance reports show District C Commissioner Larry Brown has raised $287,456 and spent $166,820 while Republican opponents Gary Hosea and Stephen Sedlmeyer have spent and raised less than $2,000. District D Commissioner Lawrence Weekly has raised $236,360 and spent $150,350 while Republican opponent Anthony Osnaya has raised no money and spent less than $700. District A Commissioner Steve Sisolak has raised $606,954 and spent $80,933 while Republican opponent Michael Thomas reported no contributions and no expenditures.