During the 2014 Montezuma County sheriff’s race, Republican candidate Steve Nowlin has spent nearly 45 percent more than write-in candidate Mike Steele.

According to campaign finance reports released this week, Nowlin has spent $10,675 on his campaign. Including nonmonetary contributions, which totaled $4,202, Steele has spent $6,032.

However, recent campaign finance records reveal that Steele has outspent Nowlin by $256.19 in the sheriff’s race since mid-July. Combined, both candidates spent more than $4,800, mostly for ads, from July 20 to Oct. 9.

During that reporting cycle, Steele’s ad spending included $1,036 for yard signs, $680 for radio commercials, $500 for banners and car magnets and $180 for a county phone and mailing list. Nowlin’s ad spending was $1,130 for radio, $530 for signs, $428 for print media and $126 for hats.

Since mid-July, two Dolores retirees – have supported Nowlin’s bid with a total of $250. Since announcing his candidacy, Nowlin has contributed $10,000 to his campaign.

Since July 20, Steele reported a single outside donor, a $500 contribution from Baker Sanitation. His personal nonmonetary contributions throughout the race total $7,889. Steele’s wife, Laurie, has contributed $2,730.

The latest deadline to file campaign finance reports to the Colorado Secretary of State is Oct. 14. Of the eight remaining candidates in contested races, GOP commissioner contender James Lambert, GOP accessor contestant William Davis and Independent clerk hopeful Judy Marquez failed to meet the deadline.

County candidates still remaining in the 2014 election cycle have spent more than $32,500 on their campaign bids.

Ballots were scheduled to be mailed to voters starting this week. The U.S. Postal Service encourages all return ballots be mailed early and with proper postage.

According to state law, a postmark doesn’t count. The ballot must be received by the County Clerk on or before the election date, which this year is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com