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.
