WENDELL - Interest in the race for the mayor of Wendell has led supporters to back their candidates with almost $5,500 in combined contributions. Much of that money is coming from people who don't live in Wendell but have interests in the town or live just outside town limits.

Incumbent Harold Broadwell showed $1,480.84 in his campaign fund with expenditures of $1,221.75 in reports to the Wake County Board of Elections on Sept. 30. Broadwell commented during the Oct. 13 candidate forum that commissioner candidate Sam Laughery contributed to his campaign. Laughery is one of Broadwell's biggest contributors, providing $500 for the mayor's race.

Broadwell had three other contributions of more than $100, including $250 from Barry Perry, owner of Perry's Gun Shop and $100 from Wendell CPA David Williams. Both men live outside the town's limits but inside the town's planning limits. Broadwell also received a $200 contribution from former Wendell Mayor William Connolly.

Broadwell has also reported receiving $320 in August and September from eight contributors who are not required by law to be identified because their donations don't rise above the $50 threshold. Five of those supporters made $50 donations, two offered $25 cash and one person made a $20 contribution.

Broadwell reported his own contribution of $60.84 in in-kind contributions for mileage to pick up signs and a recorded loan for $55 for filing fees and a campaign checking account.

Followers of the race may have seen an earlier report that showed a significant donation to Broadwell's campaign, but it turns out a clerical error temporarily inflated the amount Broadwell was receiving. The Board of Elections listed a $1,000 campaign contribution in Broadwell's reports, from a political action committee called Citizens Supporting Raleigh, which was news to Broadwell when he was contacted Oct. 21 about the report.

Broadwell had no knowledge of the $1,000 contribution.

The contribution, which Montgomery said was for a different candidate, inadvertently was attached to Broadwell's Sept. 30 campaign report and posted online at the board of elections' Web site. The online report has been updated and that donation has been removed.

Mayoral candidate Tim Hinnant reported $3,998.02 in his campaign fund, with expenditures of $3,729.44 as posted by the board of elections Oct. 28. Hinnant has received nine contributions of more than $100, including several from residents who, like some of Broadwell's supporters, live outside the town limits.

Hinnant received $500 from John Lewis, $250 from Charles Kramer, and $150 from William Burroughs. He also received contributions of $100 each from W. Neal Conoley Jr., Curtis Phipps and Wake Forest resident Randy Cobb.

The former mayor's largest contributions from in-town residents are largely from family members, including $200 from his brother, J. Ray Hinnant and $200 from sitting commissioner Carol Hinnant, Tim Hinnant's sister-in-law. Hinnant also received a $100 donation from Hubert Hines.

Hinnant received $875 between July and October from 18 supporters not required to be identified, with 17 contributions of $50 in cash or checks, and one $25 donation. He has contributed $842.58 to his own campaign.

Board finances

In the race for the two open commissioner seats, all four candidates have primarily handled their own campaign costs and kept them low.

Johnny Easters said he is financing his run himself. "I have not solicited or received any donations," Easters said. "I had one teen volunteer hand out fliers at the (Harvest) Festival. Everything else I've done solely by myself."

James Parham said during the candidate forum that he has received a few donations but is keeping campaign costs under the $1,000 threshold. There are no records of donations reported on the Board of Elections Web site for Parham's campaign.

Sam Laughery has contributed to two Wendell campaigns, Broadwell's run for re-election and his own candidacy, putting $2,463.26 into the race.

Tillie Turlington said she is paying for her own campaign but did receive one donation from a contributor who does not live in Wendell. "I have planned from the beginning not to spend more than $1,000," Turlington said.

Outside interests

Unlike in previous elections, outside interests have not actively participated in this year's race, but that could change. Two political action committees filed paperwork with the Wake County Board of Elections last month to update their financial status.

Citizens for Wendell's Progress reported receiving no recent donations, but campaign reports show the organization has nearly $1,400. Bruce Lynch is treasurer of that organization.

Citizens for a Better Wendell also filed paperwork last week. Led by treasurer Dan Edwards, the group reported $480 cash on hand but has not reported any donations so far.