The state Senate race in the 15 District in St. Louis County has already drawn nearly $335,000 in campaign contributions even though none of the recipients have filed as a candidate.

The three candidates — Democrat Kevin Gunn and Republicans Eric Schmitt and Jim Avery – can’t get on the Aug. 5 primary ballot until Feb. 26. The winner in the Nov. 4 general election will succeed Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, who cannot run again because of term limits. Gibbons is seeking the attorney general’s job.

Campaign finance reports the candidates filed with the state Ethics Commission show that Gunn, a Webster Groves city council member, has raised $196,998.84, Schmitt, the alderman from Glendale’s 3rd Ward, $125,055.20, and Avery, a state representative from the Crestwood area, $13,495.

The reports include totals of fundraising and spending through Dec. 31 and details of activity from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

Gunn reported raising $91,050 and spending $28,425.13 in the reporting period. His campaign has spent $32,376.84 thus far.

Among donors to Gunn were Ameristar Casino Kansas City Inc., Boeing Co., Penn National Gaming Inc. and Barrett Toan, chairman of Express Scripts.

Also contributing were political action committees of convenience stores and service stations, independent insurance agents, the local association of Realtors, and unions of asbestos workers, boilermakers, electrical workers and service workers.

The campaign committees of former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay also made donations.

Jane Gephardt, the wife of former U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt and their two children contributed.

Most of the spending went to Martin Communications Group of Leawood, Kansas, for consulting work.

Schmitt obtained all his donations and spent $4,845.22 in the reporting period.

Among his contributors were Commons Development Group., Dolan Realty Advisors, Drury Displays Inc., E & M Development Co., McEagle Properties, Otis and Clark Properties, Ridgway Homes, Realtors in the state. Brenda Talent, wife of former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, made a donation.

Most of the spending was for fundraising.

Avery has spent $8,674.85 thus far. He obtained $600 and spent $1,474 in the reporting period. PCI Political Account and HSBC North America, both from suburban Chicago, made donations. Avery’s spending was for miscellaneous items.

The political action committees of AT&T, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, General Motors and the state association of Realtors donated to both Gunn and Schmitt.

Meanwhile, Jeanne Kirkton, a Democrat seeking her party’s nomination for the 91st District seat in the state House of Representatives has raised far more money than two Republicans interested in the race.

State Rep. Kathlyn Fares, R-Webster Groves, cannot seek reelection because of term limits.

Kirkton, a member of the Webster Groves City Council, has raised $32,793.02 and spent $3,846 thus far. In the reporting period she obtained $27,793.02. All of her spending was in the reporting period.

Most of her donors were individuals or political action committees of some Democratic elected officials. Also contributing were Anheuser Busch Cos. Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Most of her spending was for an Internet site and printing.
Kirkton unsuccessfully ran for state Senate in 2006.

Dr. Randy Jotte, a candidate for the Republican nomination for the district seat, reported raising $11,435 and spending $4,428.51 thus far. All the activity was in the reporting period.

Jotte, also a member of the Webster Groves City Council, received most donations from individuals. He obtained one from a political action committees representing doctors. Most of his spending was for miscellaneous items.

Joan McGivney, a former member of both the Webster Groves City Council and school board, reported raising $800 and spending nothing thus far in her campaign the Republican nomination for the house seat. Marion Cairns, a former state representative from the district, donated to McGivney.