Tharinger, Forde combine for nearly $50,000 in fundraising for Clallam commissioner

Incumbent Steve Tharinger and challenger Bob Forde have raised a combined $48,909.96 in their quest for the District 1 position of the Clallam County Board of Commissioners in the Nov. 6 general election.

Forde, a Sequim Republican, has the largest single contribution, $10,000.

But his opponent, Tharinger, a Dungeness Democrat, counts among his donations $30 each from fellow Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman and his wife, Bobbi, of Port Angeles.

That’s just one slice of the quieter but no less significant money race that parallels the stump speeches and political forums of the 2007 general election.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Because Forde and Tharinger raised at least $3,500 and accepted contributions of $300 or more this election season, they are required to file detailed lists of contributors and expenses with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Forde, the 62-year-old sales manager of Sequim Auto Sales, received $10,000 from the Clallam County Republican Central Committee, half his total cash and in-kind contributions of $21,320.30 as of Oct. 12, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Tharinger, 58 and running for his third term – he defeated Sue Forde, Bob Forde’s wife, in 2003 – received $27,589.64, including $1,000 from the Clallam County Democratic Club, his largest contributor.

But Tharinger counts among them 54 contributors of $100 or more to Forde’s 15 who donated $100 or more.

The Chapmans donated $60, expressly so it would show up on Public Disclosure Commission records, he said.

“That ensured that we were listed by the PDC so people would know my endorsement came with financial support,” he said.

“What’s the use of endorsing someone if no one know you’re endorsing him? Then it’s just playing politics.”

Tharinger has spent $1,800 on radio advertising, and other funds on “motion ads” on Clallam Transit buses, he said.

Like other candidates, his mailer is the major expense – $10,000.

Noting Tharinger has an advantage as a two-term incumbent, Forde said he wasn’t paying much attention to the contribution side of his campaign.

“I have had my head down and my backside up,” and he’s “hoping our message gets through,” Forde said.

Forde said he may do a mailer but has spent money for signs and advertising.

His contributions include $500 from the Washington Association of Realtors and $300 from the Republican Women of Clallam County.

More in News

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Stew Cockburn stands in the spring annual section prior to it being for early spring gardeners.
New Dungeness Nursery planted in landscaping industry

Family and their employees work 2-acre location in Sequim

Partnership discussion may violate state law

OMC in Phase 2 of exploratory process

Members of the public take a guided tour at Port Townsend High School on Wednesday. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Townsend school district may seek $90M bond

Tour highlights high school’s infrastructure needs

A pair of wind surfers take off from the breakwater at Port Townsend Marina in an apparent race across the bay on Tuesday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Catching the wind

A pair of wind surfers take off from the breakwater at Port… Continue reading

Clallam County Economic Development Council Director of Operations Lorie Fazio, left, and Executive Director Colleen McAleer stand with Michael Cade, executive director of Thurston EDC who presented the WEDA’s 2025 Innovation in Economic Development award. The EDC received the award last month in recognition of its Clallam Forest Product Innovation Program.
Clallam EDC wins state innovation award

Forest innovation program intended to revitalize industry

Port Townsend library to show Willa Cather documentary

Free novels, dramatic reading Thursday at 5:30

Jefferson sets short-term rental rules

County establishes 4 percent cap, one rental per operator

When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
Former deputy’s ashes to be sent into space

Widow of John Strachan to fulfill his dream

Port OKs Citizen Air lease

Company purchasing Rite Bros. Aviation

Rebates offered for e-bikes through April 23

The state Department of Transportation will accept applications for e-bike… Continue reading

Jefferson County Public Health names heroes

Jefferson County Public Health has announced its 2025 Public… Continue reading

Man transported to hospital after log truck goes into ditch

A log truck driver was transported to Forks Community Hospital… Continue reading