Former candidates' financial reports tell us about their past and future

EVANSVILLE — For former Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, the mandatory ritual of filing his annual campaign financing report signaled the end of an era in local politics.

Winnecke, a Republican, filed his 2023 year-end report on January 17 with documents attached to it dissolving his political committee without committing any funds. The three-term former mayor did not run again last year, though he reported raising and spending more than $1.2 million in one of his re-election campaigns. He received $18,000 in donations, combined with just over $200,000 he already had, but in 2023 he spent all of it and closed everything down.

For other former candidates who haven't been running for office in a while, calculating each year how much money is left in their kitty represents a hope yet to come true. Or at least leave the door open. Most residents don't have anywhere near the amount of money that mayors typically raise, but they also don't need as much.

more:Evansville mayoral candidates file report painting a very different picture

Democrat Jason Ashworth, who ran unsuccessfully for Vanderburgh County Sheriff in 2022, said the $1,043.62 still rattling around in his campaign fund could help him and his wife, Kendyl, fund future campaigns. He said it might happen.

“She is in her 31st year teaching at the school and is clearly very invested in the (Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation), the corporation and the children in the community,” Ashworth said.

Once Kendyl Ashworth qualifies, she may consider seeking a seat on the EVSC school board, her husband said. or not. Jason Ashworth said if neither candidate runs, the remaining thousands of dollars or more will be donated “to charity or another candidate.”

Indiana Statute 3-9-3-4 governs how campaign funds can be used, including “activities related to service in an elected office” and “continuing political activities.” This money cannot be used for personal expenses, but the law allows it to be used for various political activities. Giving money to other candidates is a common use of campaign funds.

County Coroner Steve Lockyear remains an elected official, but he has served the maximum allowed term of two consecutive terms and may not seek re-election this year. Mr. Lockyear has said he plans to retire, but there is still the issue of $519.06 remaining in his campaign fund.

“I think legally I can donate to other candidates and parties, and I probably would,” said Lockyear, a Democrat. “This is one of the things that my wife (attorney Krista Lockyear) and I have talked about over the last four years was about deleting my account. But I just filled out one of these forms… Then you forget about it until the next year.'' Then you start saying, “Oh, I have to file that report again. I have to close that account.''

Conspiracy lingers on some former candidates

Former candidates' still-active campaign accounts can contain content that raises eyebrows and questions about their futures.

Former Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nick Herman, who last held office more than a year and a half ago, reported he still has more than $39,000 in his account.

Mr. Hellman has been rumored in legal and political circles to seek a seat on the high court this year, but he has not responded to messages about his political plans or campaign finances. The deadline for filing his candidacy is February 9th.

School board member Amy Ward, who is facing a felony charge of “continuing to cause a nuisance” at Lamasco Bar & Grill, said she will not seek re-election in 2024.

But Ward filed his annual campaign finance report on Thursday, the day after the state filing deadline.