Dana Beasley Brown

Being an incumbent has advantages in most elections when it comes to factors such as fundraising, and that holds true in local races being contested Nov. 6.

As opposed to legislative races, city commission and other local contests generally see smaller fundraising totals, and regular finance reports are only mandated for candidates who expect to raise and spend more than $3,000.

While that threshold means many local candidates have not filed finance reports with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, those who have are generally incumbents. One exception is Bowling Green City Commission candidate Dana Beasley Brown, who leads the pack in commission fundraising.

Here’s what Warren County candidates have reported in 60-day pre-election finance reports:

Incumbent Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon, a Republican, reported $9,164 in contributions with the full amount still available. Independent candidate Jimmie Duffer had no report.

Incumbent Democratic Warren County Sheriff Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines reported $6,726 in contributions and $4,760 on hand. Republican challenger Brett Hightower had $2,861 in contributions and $1,708 available.

Incumbent Circuit Court Clerk Brandi Duvall, a Democrat, raised $11,701 with $563 available. Republican challenger Sonya Corder had no report.

In the nonpartisan race for Bowling Green City Commission, incumbents Rick Williams reported $5,000 raised and $1,840 available; Sue Parrigin raised $1,145 with the full amount available; and Brian “Slim” Nash and Joe Denning had no reports.

Brown was the top fundraiser with $7,609 in contributions and $7,166 available.

None of the other challengers – Nate Morguelan, Don Langley, Carlos Bailey, Paul Carter, Jennifer Morlan, Richard Thornton and Victoria Golden Thompson – filed reports.

The top four vote-getters in November earn commission seats.

In the race for Warren County magistrate seats:

Second District Democrat Tom Lawrence, the incumbent, reported $988 raised with the same amount available. Republican challenger Chris Abend had no report.

Incumbent 4th District Republican Rex McWhorter and Democratic challenger Anthony Stidham had no reports.

In the 6th District, Republican Ron Cummings and Democrat Robert Donoho had no reports. Incumbent Republican Darrell Traughber is not running for re-election.