by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Mayor John Peyton raised nearly $2 million in about two-and-a-half years when he ran for mayor in 2004. In less than three months of quiet fundraising, Peyton already has $862,000 in his re-election fund.
Local Republican Party chairman Mike Hightower said the amount is astounding for a mayoral race and an election that is over a year away.
“In my almost 39 years of politics, this is on par with a gubernatorial-type election for one quarter,” said Hightower, who is heading Peyton’s 200-plus member finance committee. “It is extraordinary what this finance committee has done and shows the cross-matrix support this mayor has.”
Hightower explained that a vast majority of the money was raised by individual members of Peyton’s finance committee and the re-election effort has yet to host any kind of major fundraiser or rally.
“This was done purely within the finance committee. Maybe there were one or two small events with business leaders,” said Hightower, explaining that all fundraising began Oct. 13 and ended Dec. 31. Considering that time includes three holidays, Hightower believes the $862,000 is significant and impressive. “The team has been focused and everyone knew their assignments.”
According to Hightower, Peyton’s finance committee is comprised of every facet of the community and the make-up actually transcends party lines.
“There are Democrats, Republicans and even a couple on Independents,” he said. “It includes big businesses and small businesses. The mayor has said he is not interested in people’s political affiliations.”
Hightower doesn’t believe it will take $2 million to re-elect Peyton and he also doesn’t believe a big-name Republican will run opposite Peyton in the primary election. However, Hightower said the local party and Peyton’s finance committee will do whatever it takes to assure Peyton earns a second term, regardless who enters the race and regardless of their party allegiance.
“Our only focus is to get the mayor re-elected. People make choices every day,” said Hightower. “We are not worried about competition. We just want to make sure the mayor completes the work he has started.”