The latest round of state fundraising reports shows Waco Republican David Sibley is head and shoulders above his competitors in Saturday’s four-way state Senate race.

The former state senator drew on a deep-pocketed network of donors and political action committees to raise about $453,000. That figure is nearly seven times the total of his closest competitor, Granbury Republican Brian Birdwell.

According to the reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission, Birdwell collected about $66,000.

The candidates for state Senate (from left): David Sibley, Gayle Avant, Darren Yancy and Brian Birdwell.

Democrat and Baylor University professor Gayle Avant raised almost $6,000.

Burleson Republican Darren Yancy collected $1,250 in contributions, which he supplemented with $14,000 in loans.

Sibley reported he had $200,000 in his campaign account April 28, the end of the reporting period, compared to $53,000 for Birdwell.

Some of Sibley’s cash advantage is owed to his decisive entry in the race. When the now-retired state Sen. Kip Averitt announced he would be stepping down, Sibley was quick to end his lobbying practice and announce his candidacy.

Sibley wasted little time in putting together a team of seasoned campaign operatives, many of whom cut their teeth on his first Senate campaign nearly two decades ago.

“One of the things about being an experienced candidate and former officeholder is you remember how to do it,” Southern Methodist University political science professor Cal Jillson said. “You’ve got contacts and contributors from past campaigns, so you can put it together quickly while the other guys are starting from scratch.”

In large Senate districts, money translates to advertising, and a $100,000 TV ad purchased by Sibley has gone unanswered in the Waco area.

Though Birdwell trails Sibley in cash, early voting numbers paint an encouraging picture for his campaign. The turnout rate in Hood County, where Birdwell lives, was far higher Monday than that in McLennan County.

McLennan County, home to Avant and Sibley, is the district’s population center. It has more than triple the number of registered voters than Hood County.

The latest early voting figures showed 2,223 residents had cast ballots in McLennan County, compared to 2,018 in Hood County.

One financial factor that will shape the final days of the race remains a mystery.

Birdwell’s report indicates he will have the financial backing of the Conservative Republicans of Texas PAC, which is run by conservative activist Steven Hotze of Houston.

But Monday, the ethics commission had not received a financial report from the group, and the extent of its involvement was unclear.

mshapiro@wacotrib.com

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