COLORBEARER OF ATHENS, GEORGIA LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987
January 8, 2014

Republicans, Fraternity Back Denson Campaign

Nancy Denson.jpg

Prominent local Republicans, including two state lawmakers, gave at least $1,200 to Mayor Nancy Denson's re-election campaign.

Denson has raised $17,615 as of Dec. 31, according to documents she filed with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission.

State Rep. Regina Quick (R-Athens) contributed $500. Denson supported Quick's primary challenge against Rep. Doug McKillip in 2012 and appointed her to the Athens Downtown Development Authority board.

State Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) contributed $200. Larry Benson, a frequent donor to GOP candidates, gave $500.

Denson is a lifelong Democrat, but some progressives have accused her of being a closet Republican due to her conservative support.

Other notable contributions included $500 from Denson's daughter, state Rep. Margaret Kaiser (D-Atlanta), who added $1,500 from her campaign fund.

Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, whose UGA chapter received Mayor and Commission approval last year to renovate a sports bar near downtown into a new frat house, gave $250. 

David Matheny, an architect who frequently represents clients before the commission on zoning issues, gave $175.

Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Kathy Hoard, who did not openly support a candidate in 2010 but is retiring this year, gave $150.

In addition, Denson loaned her campaign $2,100.

Other donors included:

• Subodh Agrawal, $500.

• Heyward "Buddy" Allen, $200.

• Anita Brannen, $1,000.

• Bob Carson, $500.

• Jeff Carter, $200.

• Robert Finch, $200.

• Edward Grahm, $200.

• Golden Hinton, $200.

• Norman McGlohon, $200.

• Lynn Mason Rockwell of Columbus, OH, $2,400.

• Len Sapera, $250.

• John Schleicher, $1,000.

• Richard Steele, $500.

• Madelyn Van Dyke, $500.

• Kristine Wellman, $110.

• Claude Williams, $200.

• David Woodruff, $250.

Denson also received in-kind contributions totaling $1,351 in value from Richard Boon, European Floral Designs, Lee Epting Catering and Menchies Yogurt (owned by Steele).

She spent a total of $1,713 on mailing at Copy Solutions, Paul Dellaria's computer services, reimbursement for a campaign event, supplies at Office Depot, postage at UPS and a Verizon Wireless cell phone.

UPDATE: Another announced candidate, Tim Denson, reported raising $504, including $185 from Ethan Epps, a fellow member of Occupy Athens.

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