47th District: Reckling raises three times more than Bezotte; see who donated

In just her first run at elective office, Meghan Reckling has proven to be a fundraising dynamo.

The 35-year-old Republican from Handy Township is one of four candidates in the GOP primary, hoping to replace term-limited State Rep. Hank Vaupel, R-Fowlerville.

Campaign finance statements for the year to date were due Friday, and Reckling reported raising $58,375, which is a huge number for a first-time non-incumbent.

Her main competitor in the race, Livingston County Commissioner (and former sheriff) Bob Bezotte, 69, reported raising $16,154 for the cycle. Reckling raised more than three times more than Bezotte, despite being in the race a year less.

Bezotte has raised $29,953 total since launching his campaign last year; $18,194 of that is his own money.

The other two candidates in the race appear to be non-factors. Zachary Dyba has raised a total of $5,351, including $3,500 of his own money. Yvonne Black filed a reporting waiver, meaning she plans on raising and spending less than $1,000.

Adam Smiddy, the lone Democrat in the 47th District race, reported raising $1,096.

Reckling received donations from a variety of Livingston County residents, GOP heavy hitters and political action committees (PACs). Her largest single donation was $5,000 from the Michigan Farm Bureau. Other notable donations:

• Six donations of $1,050 each – the maximum allowed – by members of the West Michigan DeVos family.
• $1,000 from State Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton
• $500 from Livingston County Commissioner Kate Lawrence
• $225 from Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere
• $50 from Livingston County Commissioner Wes Nakagiri

See who donated to Reckling by clicking here.

Bezotte’s largest donations were maximum $1,050 donations each from Discount Tire owners Steve and Gwen Bearden.

Other notable donations:

• $796 from former State Rep. Cindy Denby
• $500 from the Vaupel Victory Fund
• $500 from Livingston County Register of Deeds Brandon Denby
• $500 from former Brighton Schoo Board member John Conely
• $450 from former Livingston County Commissioner Dave Domas
• $50 from former Livingston County Sheriff Don Homan

See who donated to Bezotte by clicking here.

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