At start of race, Ritter’s coffers leave rivals’ in dust
By Paula Noonan 
| July 23, 2009 | 9:01 AM
Gubernatorial candidate Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, has a long, long way to go to gin up enough dollars for an effective statewide campaign.
According to campaign finance reports filed with the secretary of state, Penry — the state Senate minority leader — transferred $5,063 from his now-closed Senate campaign to his gubernatorial campaign this month.
In contrast, Gov. Bill Ritter, who likely will run for re-election as the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, reported $366,529 in his coffers.
Looking at previous filings for Penry’s Senate seat, his campaign balance was highest in 2006 at $39,523. It has gone down steadily since then. In 2008-2009, the highest reported balance in his campaign account was $7,844.
In three reporting sessions in 2008-2009, Penry raised less than $700 each period, with the March 31, 2009, report showing only one $100 donation.
Penry has received roughly $144,000 in donations over three years, mostly from individuals on the Western Slope. More recently, many of his contributions have come from the Denver area, with only three of 50 donations in the June 30, 2009, report from Colorado donors west of the Divide.
Many of Ritter’s individual contributions are trending north of $500 each, with 1,536 total donations in the last reporting period. Penry shows 50 contributors in his final Senate report, with all but one at $400 or less.
Penry probably will end up competing for money against former Republican Rep. Scott McInnis. The good news for Penry: McInnis shows a $0 balance in his campaign account. But that’s because the first financial reports for both candidates’ gubernatorial races won’t be due until October.
Paula Noonan is with Colorado Capitol Watch
bill ritter, campaign finance, josh penry, politics, scott mcinnis
