County Commission primary candidates raised more than $28,500

Republican candidates raised more than $17,500, although Commissioner Richardson raised $0. Meanwhile, Democrat Commissioner Pete Gosar built a war chest for the general election.

The Albany County Commissioners hold the ultimate power to decide on a number of important matters to the community — whether they’re crafting a natural resource management plan, voting on major renewable energy projects, or debating strengthened protections for Laramie’s main source of drinking water. 

This year, two of the commission’s three seats are on the ballot. The goal during the primary election was for the Republican and Democratic parties to narrow their candidates down to two for the general election.

There were four candidates who filed to run for county commission seats. Current Commission Chair Pete Gosar, seeking reelection, was the sole Democrat who filed to run. Former Commissioner Terri Jones, current Commissioner Heber Richardson and political newcomer Tony Kirchhoefer filed to run in the Republican primary. 

Gosar handily won the Democratic primary, and write-in Democratic candidate Klaus Halbsgut received enough votes to advance to the general, making Gosar and Halbsgut the official Democratic nominees for the commission’s two available seats.

Jones and Richardson, receiving 4,434 votes and 3,385 votes respectively, advanced on the Republican side. Kirchhoefer received just 2,553 votes and was eliminated.

Neither Halbsgut nor Richardson reported raising any funds during the primary election, or paying any expenses. Campaign signs for both can be seen around town, but these were signs bought and manufactured for previous commission races. Halbsgut has run several times for a commission seat, coming up short with each previous attempt.

While Kirchhoefer’s campaign was unsuccessful, he raised the most among the Republican candidates. He also spent the most among all candidates, shelling out more than $5,600 to Salt Lake Mailing and Printing.

Gosar’s fundraising included taking out a loan of $5,000 — around 45% of his total primary campaign funds. 

“It's used to start a campaign and if there becomes a shortage of funds, it becomes something you can use.” Gosar said.

Below is a breakdown of the funding raised during the primary by the three commission candidates who reported raising and spending money.

Pete Gosar (Democrat) 

• Raised: $11,064.99

• Spent: $2,024.56

• Average donation: $121.31

• Own money: $1,819.15

Contribution breakdown:

• $1,819.15 — Immediate family/personal 

• $2,069.85 — Individual 

• $331.84 — In-kind

• $5,000 — Loans 

Top donors:

• $500 — Megan Hayes, Laramie resident and attorney

• $300 — Sue Ibarra, fellow county commissioner 

• $250 — Keith Rittle, Laramie resident 

• $250 — Lew and Donna Bagby, Laramie residents

• $250 — Jennifer Wilson, Lander resident

• $250 — Alyson Hagy, Laramie resident

• $250 — Hattie and Jim Geesey, Laramie residents

Terri Jones (Republican) 

• Raised: $7,450

• Spent: $2,961.02

• Average donation: $350

• Own money: $5,000

Contribution breakdown:

• $5,000 — Immediate family/personal 

• $2,450 — Individual

Top donors:

• $1,200 — Joe Ahrenholtz, Laramie resident 

• $500 — Henry Richter, Laramie resident

• $250 — Corrine Sheaffer, Yoder resident

• $200 — Paulene Dunnuck, Laramie resident

• $200 — Juanita Engen, Centennial resident

Tony Kirchhoefer (Republican)

• Raised: $10,105.68

• Spent: $9,996.68

• Average donation: $383.71

• Own money: $2,047.68

Contribution breakdown:

• $2,047.68 — Immediate family/personal

• $6,540 — Individual 

• $20 — Anonymous 

• $1,498 — In-kind

Top donors:

• $1,500 — Curt Richardson, founder and owner of the company Otterbox

• $1,000 — Ron and Roxanne Wilson, Michigan residents 

• $500 — Ruth Sommers, Tie Siding resident 

• $500 — Nancy Richardson, wife of Curt Richardson

• $500 — Al Minier, Cheyenne resident

• $500 — Carson Aanenson, Laramie resident

• $500 — John Davis, Indiana resident 

• $500 — Paul Montoya, Laramie resident