Corroon winning money fight

Michael Renckert has a lot of catching up to do if he wants any chance of defeating incumbent Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon.

Corroon has raised 24 times as much money as the Republican political newcomer since April, according to the candidates' latest financial disclosure reports filed Tuesday.

Despite his huge lead in the fundraising battle, Corroon said the race is far from over.

"We're taking this campaign seriously," Corroon said. Attempts to reach Renckert were unsuccessful Tuesday.

Corroon heads into the summer stretch of the campaign with $239,000 left, and plenty of time to raise more money. Renckert, on the other hand, has $2,260 left in his campaign account.

While Renckert's bank account may seem small compared to Corroon's, he did increase his contributions tenfold since the last reporting period. That's largely in part to a $4,000 donation from the county Republican Party and a $900 personal loan from Renckert to his campaign.

The Sandy Republican also netted small donations from EnergySolutions, Rep. Todd Kiser, R-Sandy, and several others.

Corroon made most of his money through big-ticket fundraisers, including a golf tournament and a special screening of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

Big donations came from Wordperfect co-founder Bruce Bastain, Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller, Snowbird, Howa Construction president Richard Howa, as well as representatives from Sinclair Oil, who gave at least a combined $12,500.

In total, 543 people contributed to Corroon's campaign this period, while Renckert received donations from at least 19, not including donations under $50.

Democrats are also winning the fundraising battle in the County Council races.

Randy Horiuchi raised nearly $40,000 this filing period, while his Republican opponent, Stephen Debry, pulled in $6,250.

In the District 4 race, newcomer Jani Iwamoto, a Democrat, raised $25,000, and Republican incumbent Mark Crockett raised $13,500. In the western Salt Lake County District 2 races, Democrat Paul Pugmire persuaded folks to give him $20,000. Republican Michael Jensen raised $13,000 this period, but he is leading in the overall fundraising battle.

In District 6, Democrat Roger Harding raised $20,500 and Republican Max Burdick pulled in about $8,000.

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E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com