The latest campaign finance reports filed show both Centre County district attorney candidates -- Republican incumbent Michael Madeira and Democratic challenger Stacy Parks Miller -- have tens of thousands of dollars of their own money riding on the back of a win on Nov. 3.
In the latest reporting period -- June 9 to Oct. 19 -- Parks Miller's campaign committee raised more than $36,000, and Madeira's committee brought in more than $26,000.
Both candidates have put considerable amounts of their own money on the line for the position, which pays more than $160,000 per year, according to the Centre County Office of Human Resources. Madeira took out a $13,000 loan earlier this month, forming a considerable portion of his campaign finances. Parks Miller added a $20,000 "late contribution" of her own money. It was not included in the contributions total as it was reported after the reporting period ended.
Madeira said the candidates' financial backing of their campaigns demonstrates dedication.
"It shows a candidate's commitment to the race and that they believe in themselves and the job that they are doing," he said. "I was committed to doing whatever it took to make sure a positive, even-handed message got out."
Parks Miller said the money she added was "just in case we need it." When it comes to seeing the money returned to her, Parks Miller said, "I would like to, but that is not first and foremost."
One of the distinctions between the campaigns was the financial contributors who gave between $50 and $250. Parks Miller reaped $19,545 from 123 contributors, while Madeira brought in $3,410 from 23 individuals.
"It's a big statement about the kind of support we have," Parks Miller said.
Parks Miller is also decidedly in the lead with donations under $50. Her total is more than $8,900, compared to Madeira's $920.
Donations of more than $250 were more even-handed between the two candidates. Parks Miller still led with $6,875 from 13 individuals. Madeira earned $6,400 from
11 individuals.
Madeira and Parks Miller each received contributions from other politicians. Madeira's financial backers include Centre County Commissioner Steven Dershem, former Pennsylvania State Sen. J. Doyle Corman, Clinton County District Attorney Michael Salisbury and U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson. Parks Miller received money from Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Conklin, State College Borough Council President Elizabeth Goreham, former Pennsylvania State Rep. Ruth Rudy and former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel.
Each candidate also had contributions from high-profile Penn State employees. Guido D'Elia, Penn State director of football communications and branding, contributed to Parks Miller's campaign, while Michael Adewumi, vice provost for Penn State's International Programs Office, helped Madeira's run.
Franco Harris, a former Penn State football player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was another distinguished contributor to Parks Miller's campaign. Even though Harris lives in the Pittsburgh area, "he keeps a close eye on what goes on in Centre County," Parks Miller said.
Neither candidate said they expected any big changes in campaign finances before the election. Both said the contributions have been continuing to flow. Madeira said his campaign has received between $3,000 to $4,000 since the records went public last Friday.
