Ivory making up for late spending

The most visible County Council race by far this year — with commensurate spending levels — has been an at-large seat.

GOP incumbent Steve Harmsen, who has raised $44,000, is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Jenny Wilson, who has raised a huge amount ($135,000) — far more than any other county candidate outside of the mayoral race.

According to Deseret Morning News polls, despite the difference in spending, Harmsen remains the preferred candidate among voters. Wilson, however, is closing the gap somewhat.

Wilson has raised her money through a wide assortment of donors, most of them giving less than $1,000, though she has received some larger amounts (WordPerfect founder Bruce Bastian, $5,000; developer Kem Gardner, $5,000; a few other donations of $1,000 and $1,500).

Harmsen, who has significantly stepped up fund raising and spending in the past six weeks, received a large contribution ($4,500) from Steve Regan Co., of which he is part owner, and himself ($1,000). While he has his share of smaller donations, many of his donations are for more than $1,000.

In the auditor's race, interim auditor Sean Thomas, a Republican, has outspent Democrat Peter Stevens $24,000 to $14,000.

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E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com