Judicial candidates list funds

The bulk of the $39,734 in 1st District Judge John Mitchell’s re-election war chest is from attorneys, while most of challenger Rami Amaro’s money is from her own pocket.

Both candidates filed “sunshine reports” Tuesday with the Idaho secretary of state’s office, showing how much money they have raised and spent since Jan. 1.

As of May 7, Amaro raised $20,861. She lent herself $15,000 while her Coeur d’Alene law office contributed $1,000 of in-kind donations for research costs and dinner tickets purchased from the Kootenai County Republican Women. Amaro’s husband, John, gave $910 in cash and a $90 in-kind donation.

“One has to sacrifice to change things,” Amaro said about the loan. “I believe my opponent’s courtroom is broken and needs to be repaired.”

Amaro added that it takes money to campaign in a district that includes the five northern counties.

Mitchell donated $12,000 to his campaign, including a $6,000 contribution Tuesday. The remaining $27,734 is largely from more than 40 North Idaho attorneys.

First District Judge John Luster gave $100 while retired District Judge James Michaud gave $200. Paula Marano, the wife of Magistrate Judge Eugene Marano, donated $200.

Mitchell said it’s against the ethical canons for judicial candidates to view their finance reports or know who is giving them money, a rule he said he strictly follows. Mitchell said that a local law firm had a fundraiser for him but he left the room when contributions were solicited.

If his report shows a wide range of attorneys and judges, Mitchell said that means he has a broad base of support.

“That just demonstrates how they view the job that I’m doing,” Mitchell said.

Amaro countered that it’s improper for a judge to take money from attorneys because those lawyers may expect a favor in court. She said that she hasn’t knowingly taken any money from attorneys.

Mitchell questioned how she knows that if she hasn’t seen her finance report.

The remainder of Amaro’s cash, about $3,440, is from 11 donors. Robert Siegwarth, the head of Citizens Promoting Judicial Accountability, gave $1,000 to Amaro. Siegwarth has filed recent ethics complaints against Mitchell.

The father of murder victim Brendan Butler gave $500 to Amaro. In a previous interview, Stewart Butler said he wants Amaro to unseat Mitchell because Mitchell gave their son’s murderer a sentence less than what the state recommended.

Amaro has spent $19,790. Of that, $15,000 went to Savvy Marketing for billboards and other advertisements, Amaro said. She has also spent money on postage, research costs, radio ads and pizza.

Mitchell has spent $28,247, including $3,000 to a planning consultant. The remainder of the money went to postage, signs, T-shirts, printing, billboards and advertisements.