By JIM BUTLER

The current race for Clerk of Court is a sprint rather than the usual long-distance run.

Robin Hooter’s decision to retire in November and a March 29 election date put those seeking to succeed her on a campaign fast track.

Then-Chief Deputy Clerk Karan Corley (now, by law, interim Clerk) and Thomas David III, an attorney, had campaign organizations running by the first week in December, finance reports filed in late February show.

Corley loaned hers $10,000 on December 3 and David his $120,000 a day later. Corley loaned hers another $10,400 in late January.

Through February 17, required filings at the end of the month show, Corley’s campaign had received $65,000 in other contributions; David’s report shows $26,000 in contributions.

On the filing date Corley had $31,100 on hand; David $119,600.

Corley had spent $48,700; David $28,700.

Her contributors (Alexandria unless otherwise noted) of $1,000 or more included:

$6,000 – Sam Mahfouz ($2,500 on November 7, before Hooter’s retirement announcement, and $3,500 on January 16);

$5,000 – Sandra Chicola;

$4,000  – Danny Campbell, Dry Prong;

$2,500 – Durand Builders, Pollock; Frank Chandler III, Robin Hooter Campaign Fund, C.W. Vollman;

$2,000 – Barth & Grimes Properties;

$1,500 – Terminator Pest & Pond Management, DJ’s Bail Bonds, Joseph Rino Jr., Ross Bus Sales;

$1,000 – Gayle Davis, Duane Heard, Damin Horeih, J Michael Small Law Office Account, Stephen Mansour, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, H.J. Vercher Jr., Wendell Walker, Pineville; Hilborn Enterprises, Tioga; Hilton Campaign Fund, Hineston.

Contributions of $1,000 or more to David’s campaign included:

$2,500 – Scott Netherland, Cathy Pierson, New Orleans;

$2,000 – Barth Properties LLC, G & JJT LLC;

$1,000 – Meyer, Meyer, Lacroix & Hixson, Anna Brasher Moreau DDS LLC, Walter P. Aertker, Centerville, TN.

Full reports are at the Ethic Commission web site.