The Mielke way is most affordable

In an interview last week, Clark County Commissioner Tom Mielke said he was grateful for the support he received in the November election.

“I’m honored by it,” Mielke said. “Especially, I think, to have a bigger number than before.”

Mielke won in a squeaker of an election back in 2008 with 84,306 votes, just 207 votes more than opponent Pam Brokaw.

The results were far more decisive this time around.

Mielke was the top vote getter across both commissioner races with 91,011 votes. He was also the most cost effective candidate throughout the campaign.

According to the Public Disclosure Commission, Mielke spent (notice I didn’t say raised, those are two very different numbers in campaign finance) $21,054.49 in his reelection bid.

That works out to a frugal 23 cents per vote.

Mielke’s opponent, Joe Tanner, accrued the second highest vote tally for commissioner with 84,727 votes. Tanner spent $167,345.77 in campaign funds for a per vote cost of $1.98.

David Madore won the other commissioner race, but still came in third in votes received with 84,244. Madore was first in campaign spending with $294,126.39 spent, costing $3.49 per vote.

Marc Boldt’s unsuccessful re-election campaign garnered him 70,432 votes. Boldt spent $63,762.68. That’s 91 cents per vote.

A disclaimer on this. I’m using Friday morning’s numbers from the Public Disclosure Commission and the Clark County elections office. I’m sure these numbers could change between now and when the results are certified.