If you really want to know who's behind a candidate, campaign finance reports can give you a clue.

In Chatham County, the District 3 Board of Commissioners race is generating the most interest—and money.

On May 4, the GOP primary face-off between lifelong Chatham resident Cadle Cooper and newcomer Brian Bock will determine who will run against Democratic incumbent George Lucier in the fall.

In the first quarter of this year, Bock has raised $5,390.66, including a $500 contribution from the Build Political Action Committee of the National Association of Home Builders. Bock listed $3,048.94 in expenditures.

Cooper raised $6,619.50, between Feb. 11 and March 17, spending $4,057.85 of that sum; his donors include retirees and farmers.

Lucier, who does not have a primary election opponent, has raised $3,920.77 and spent $2,383.85.

In District 4, Democratic incumbent Tom Vanderbeck has raised $2,070 and spent $930.75.

Vanderbeck's Republican challenger in the general election, Pamela Stewart, has raised $150 and spent $30.61.

In District 5, Democratic incumbent Carl Thompson, who does not have a primary opponent, has received $932 in contributions and recorded $860 in expenditures in the first quarter.

GOP challengers for the seat include Kim Beal who did not file a report, he is under the threshold, and Walter Petty who has raised only $55 of cash taking a loan for $2,325, with expenditures totaling $2,443.45.
Reports can be viewed at http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=417