Hefty Price Tag on SD7 Primary Race

The Republican primary for the State Senate 7 seat between Matt Smith and Josh Penry in Mesa County has become quite an investment. Penry and Smith combined have spent over $100,000 to curry the favor of Republican voters, according to campaign reports. The primary election is Tuesday, August 8th.
Penry has raised nearly $80,000 with Smith trailing at almost half that with just over $42,200 in contributions. Yet, both campaigns had about the same in the bank at the end of the July 13-26 reporting period. Smith had over $7,600 and Penry had approximately $7,200.

The winner of the Republican SD 7primary will face Democratic challenger, Dana Barker. The loser will have to mothball his political career.