By Dale Liesch

The Tidewater News

ISLE OF WIGHT — Isle of Wight County Sheriff Charlie Phelps has spent $32,699 on his attempt to get re-elected, while challengers Mark Marshall and James Cross have spent $18,882 and $6,603, respectively, according to campaign expense reports.

Phelps, who is seeking his seventh term, also leads the way in contributions and loans with a total of $34,787. Marshall, the Smithfield police chief, has collected $25,169 and Crotts, a lieutenant with Hampton Police, has taken in $6,655, according to reports.

Phelps and Marshall each received contributions of $5,000 from Smithfield Foods and $1,000 from American K-9 Interdiction in Walters.

Marshall said he went out and solicited both.

“The most difficult part of campaigning is asking for donations,” the 52-year-old said. “It’s hard to run without donations. It’s just part of the beast.”

Marshall also received contributions from Motorola Solutions of Schaumburg, Ill., and $550 from Travis Auto Repair in Carrollton, according to reports.

Phelps, 68, said he was surprised when American K-9 Interdiction gave him the $1,000 campaign contribution.

“I have not done any solicitation for the campaign,” he said.

Knox Automotive Center in Carrollton donated $2,500 to the Phelps’ campaign and Peggy Haverty of Smithfield gave the sheriff $500. Phelps also received an in-kind contribution from Big Daddy’s Catering of Hampton for $350, according to reports.

Phelps and Marshall spent money on newspaper and television advertising and campaign signs, according to reports. Crotts, 50, spent money on fliers and yard signs, according to reports.

Carrsville District Board of Supervisor candidates J. Brian Carroll, 40; Ben Rideout, 63; and Joe Joyner, 61, did not spend more than $1,000 on the campaign and didn’t receive any donations, and are therefore exempt from the reporting process.

Tom Gaskell, 66, spent money on campaign signs and lapel stickers. Rex Alphin, 56, received a $500 loan from Sunset View Farm.

LGF Inc. was the largest contributor to Delores Darden, a candidate for the Board of Supervisors in the Windsor District. She spent money on newspaper advertising, signs and postcards.

Incumbent Thomas Wright was considered exempt from the filing process.

Both candidates for the Windsor District seat on the Isle of Wight County School Board — incumbent T. Hayes Griffin and Julia W. Perkins — were considered exempt from the filing process.

Vicki Longsdale, assistant voter registrar for Isle of Wight County, said all candidates must report campaign spending after the election.