Records broken in race for Jackson mayor
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JACKSON, Tenn. — We are inching closer and closer to when voters decide who will lead the city of Jackson for the next four years. Officials already are calling this a historic election, and several records are being broken. “I can tell you with all confidence that these are the largest numbers of contributions that we have seen of an election of this sort ,” administrator of elections Kim Buckley said. The money spent on campaigns is shattering records, according to the files from April 1 to April 25. Lowe Finney raised more than $21,000 and spent more than $137,000. This nearly triples incumbent Jerry Gist’s spending of more than $47,000 and doubles his more than $10,000 money raised. Not only are the campaign records being broken, but so are the early voting records. “We have had a great turnout for early voting for this election,” Buckley said. “We have put up bigger numbers than ever since the inception of early voting in 1994.” Voters say they believe the numbers have to do with the notoriety of the people on the ballot. “I think it’s the popularity of these candidates that has drawn this kind of attention,” Sherry Stokes Rutherford said. Others say it has something to do with more than just the candidates. “I think a lot of the trends with the culture have a lot to do with it ,” Leigh Gay said. But voters say no matter the reason, they are proud of the turnout and have a message for those still yet to vote. “Hey, get on the ball and select your candidate, and let the best man win,” Rutherford said. James Baxter reportedly both raised and spent around $300. Records show Tim York did not raise or spend any money during this reporting period, and Charlie Motton did not file this term. Election day is May 5.
