By JIM BUTLER

Rapides Assessor Rick Ducote and BESE candidate Lance Harris have opponents in the primary election who are apparently running word-of-mouth campaigns.

Ducote and Harris have filed reports showing minimal spending, while Josh Pace reports no funds received or spent in his bid for Ducote’s post. As of Sept. 21, Toby Brazzel, opposing Harris, had filed no report.

Ducote reports $14,000 in contributions and a $7,500 loan by him to the campaign. He had spent $5,900 at the reporting date. Combined with $2,000 on hand at the start of the period Ducote had $17,500 on hand when filing the report.

Harris, term-limited in the Louisiana House, was destined for non-public life when the BESE District 5 incumbent decided in early July to not seek re-election in the sprawling district.

The report filed by Harris begins at that point. Harris raised $32,700 in the 10-week period covered and spent $900. He had $25,400 on hand at the start, left from earlier fundraising, creating a balance of $57,100.

Contributors of $2,500 included Hayes Manufacturing, Pineville; Lane Grigsby, Baton Rouge, and Haynie & Associates, Lafayette.

Paul Rainwater, Baton Rouge, is listed as a $5,000 contributor.