Refrigerator magnets, notepads and emery boards.
All are staples in local government campaigns. And while each item may seem insignificant, put them together and campaigns can become expensive.
In Athens, recent local campaigns have cost as much as $20,000 and as little as nothing, according to Athens County Board of Election records. Most of this money comes from individual donations solicited by the politicians.
Ed Baum, an incumbent candidate for Athens City Council representative at-large, said he mailed letters asking for contributions. Baum had about $4,500 available during his last election campaign.
This is a typical fundraising technique, said Ellsworth Holden, Athens County Republican Party chair. Most candidates-
17 Archives
Lindsey Nelson
