Here’s what 11 Butler County Republicans have in campaign funds

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones

Jones, who hasn’t had a close race in four elections, leads the countywide officeholders with more than $255,000 cash on hand.

“My job is to crush my opposition. Without money, you can’t run a campaign,” said Jones, who spent more than $90,000 in all of 2016 when he was elected to his fourth term in November. “I prepare as though I could have a strong opponent, and I have an opponent every single year.”

Jones also led the pack of countywide elected officials with $45,645 raised, mostly thanks to a golf outing held in June.

Jones’ annual golf outing, which he’s held every year since being elected in 2004, generates tens of thousands of dollars. Last year’s outing raised $50,625 before expenses and this year’s outing raised more than $45,000 before expenses.

Butler County Engineer Greg Wilkens

Wilkens, who has never faced a challenger five elections, is second with cash-on-hand to Jones.

Wilkens’ campaign has more than $167,400 in the bank. The campaign reported no new money raised this reporting cycle.

Butler County Clerk of Courts Mary Swain

Butler County Clerk of Courts Mary Swain was the only other countywide officeholder besides Jones to have a fundraising event this reporting cycle.

She raised more than $10,700 from a May event before expenses.

Swain said she only has a fundraiser every couple of years as to not over-saturate the community with political fundraisers.

“I’m at the point where I’m doing (a fundraiser) every couple of years,” said Swain. “When it comes time to run again, I’ll have the funds to be able to run and I won’t be scrambling.”

Her campaign has more than $44,500 on hand.

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