Manatee County commission, school board incumbents hold large fund-raising leads

Incumbents running for re-election to either the Manatee County Commission or the Manatee County School Board continue to hold large-fund-raising leads over their respective challengers, according to the latest campaign finance filings.

The latest reports, due this week, cover activity between Jan. 1 to March 31.

Here's a breakdown:

• In Manatee County Commission District 2, incumbent Democrat Michael Gallen reported collecting almost $8,100 in the first quarter of 2014, bringing his total haul so far to more than $13,300. Combined, his three Democratic challengers -- former commissioner Gwen Brown, Corie Holmes and Charles B. Smith -- have raised a total of about $2,900.
• In Manatee County Commission District 4, incumbent Republican Robin DiSabatino reported raising only $1,725 in the first quarter of this year -- but that was on top of the $31,000 she had raised in earlier reporting periods. Her GOP challenger, Tim Norwood, reported receiving no contributions in the most recent reporting period. Earlier, he had reported raising a total of $11,475 -- most of which came in the form of money he loaned to his campaign.
• In Manatee County Commission District 6, which covers the entire county, incumbent Republican Carol Whitmore reported raising $2,600 in the first quarter of 2014, adding to the more than $49,000 she had reported earlier. Democratic challenger Terri Wonder reported raising $1,180 in the most recent reporting period, adding to the more than $5,300 she had collected earlier.
• In Manatee County School Board District 2, Rodney Jones reported collecting $220 in contributions, bringing his total take to $1,710. He currently is the only candidate for the seat now held by Barbara Harvey.
• In Manatee County School Board District 5, Julie Aranibar raised more than $4,200 in contributions in the first quarter of 2014, bringing her total haul to more than $5,700. Challenger Carlton "Les" Nichols reported $150 in contributions this past quarter, bringing his total to more than $2,300.

You can view the reports, which include the names of contributors, here.