Businessman Doug Libla of Poplar Bluff, a republican candidate for the State Senate District 25 seat, led the candidates in campaign contributions for the quarter ending April 10 with contributions of $117,750. District 162 State Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, a Democrat, was second in money raised for the quarter with $93,154. District 159 State Rep. Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, a Republican, reported $22,840 in donations for the quarter.
Libla and Wright will meet in the August primary election with the winner to face Swinger in the November general election.
Libla led in total money raised for the quarter. He was boosted by a $100,000 campaign contribution from Eagle Investments Corporation at 2700 Central Avenue in Poplar Bluff. The company is listed as a financial service provider. The total contributions to Libla's senate campaign from Eagle Investments is $132,790.80. Libla has $331,733.72 in his campaign finance fund, according to the report filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Swinger raised $93,154 for the quarter, all from contributions of $5,000 or less. His disclosure with the Ethics Commission shows 297 donations for the quarter. Many of the contributions come from farmers or farm related businesses in the Bootheel. Also providing a large portion of the contributions were optometrists or other eye care providers or businesses. Swinger is an optometrist from Caruthersville.
The Ethics Commission filing shows Swinger has $235,142 in his campaign finance fund.
Wright reported $22,840 on campaign contributions for the quarter. He reported 20 contributions, all $2,000 or less, and mostly from the Dexter area. Wright reported having $55,603.53 in his campaign finance fund.