State representative candidates scale back on expenses

After record-setting expenditures in the race for Texas House of Representatives, District 11 in 2006, political advertising expenditures in 2008 are far less.

According to the most recent report filed with the Texas Ethics Commission Oct. 27, incumbent Chuck Hopson and his challenger, Brian K. Walker, have spent less on this campaign than Mr. Hopson's challenger, Larry Durrett, during his unsuccessful bid in 2006.

Final numbers are not yet, in, but campaign reports dated eight days before the election showed Mr. Hopson has spent approximately $571,698.69 compared to Mr. Walker's $277,583.34.

Neither candidate has outstanding loans made to the campaigns.

Mr. Durrett, in his losing bid, spent just under $900,000.

Mr. Hopson received $1,000 donations from several political action committees (PACs), including Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, Texas Ophthalmological Association and the Kirkpatrick & Lockhart law firm. The Texas 20/20 PAC gave the largest sum, $70,000, to Mr. Hopson's campaign.

Mr. Walker has received large donations from PACs and many well known wealthy Texans. Former gubernatorial candidate, Clayton Williams gave $7,500. The daughter of legendary oilman H.L. Hunt, Caroline Hunt, gave Mr. Walker $1,650. The Associated Republicans of Texas PAC gave the Walker campaign its largest single donation of $60,500

Houston home builder and multi-million dollar political contributor Bob Perry, who generally supports Republican issues, donated to both campaigns. Mr. Perry gave $10,000 to Mr. Walker and $15,000 to Mr. Hopson.

Final campaign reports on donations and expenditures are will not be due until January 15, 2009. State Representative District 11 Campaign income and expense reports were filed Oct. 30 by incumbent State Rep. Chuck Hopson and challenger Brian K. Walker.