CARMEL – Brett Yarris, the Democratic candidate seeking to unseat Republican County Executive Kevin Byrne this fall, promising “investment and improvement to Putnam’s neglected higher education, job, housing, and retail markets” through his Putnam Possible Project, announced Sunday his campaign has raised $92,771 in the most recent filing period which he said was “nearly nine times the $11,185 reported by the incumbent.”
Yarris maintained, “The gap reflects growing momentum behind my campaign to bring new leadership and a bold vision to Putnam County.”
The challenger added, “The campaign drew 284 individual contributions, with 25 percent from donors giving less than $100. Mr. Byrne reported no small donations. This is not about money; it is about everyday Putnam residents who are tired of the county’s managed decline and ready to invest in its future: community college, workforce housing and good jobs. We are not just running to win an election; we are running to show what this county can become.”
Joey Nickischer, spokesman Byrne4Putnam responded. Their victory lap is premature and misleading. The Yarris campaign relies on an incomplete Byrne campaign filing, and an amended report will be filed early next week that accurately reflects our fundraising success. When all is said and done, the Byrne campaign will report more than $180,000 cash on hand—more than triple the Yarris campaign—while continuing to demonstrate the fiscal discipline Kevin Byrne has brought to both his campaign and county government.”
Nickischer went on: “Unlike a campaign fueled by outside partisan donors and costly political consultants, Kevin Byrne—a homegrown Putnam County leader—continues to earn the support of local residents, grassroots volunteers, labor, first responders, and law enforcement because of his proven record of cutting taxes, reducing debt by more than half, and delivering real results for Putnam County.”
Nickischer added that Byrne has earned the endorsement of more than two dozen labor unions representing “thousands of hardworking men and women and their families across Putnam County, whose support has included thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from organizations that know firsthand his commitment to working families, public safety, and responsible government.”
Yarris’ campaign also reported more than $60,000 cash on hand, providing what the candidate said were “resources to continue building a countywide grassroots campaign focused on creating opportunity, protecting Putnam’s character, and investing in the county’s future.”
Yarris said the numbers served as “evidence of enthusiasm that money alone can’t manufacture. People from every corner of our county – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Conservatives, Libertarians, and Working Families in a broad coalition – are stepping up because they know we need leadership with a vision for the future.”
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