Carona Far Ahead of Walters in Donations

County Marshal Michael S. Carona is way ahead in fund-raising against his only announced challenger in the June election for sheriff, compiling $174,755 in contributions, compared to $16,782 by Santa Ana Police Chief Paul M. Walters, according to campaign finance reports.

Carona began raising money more than a year ago, anticipating a face-off with Sheriff Brad Gates. But Gates announced in October that he wouldn’t seek reelection. Walters has been in the race only about six weeks and has been raising money for a month.

Among Carona’s contributors are longtime members of the county’s Republican establishment, including GOP state chairman Michael Schroeder, county GOP chairwoman emeritus Lois Lundberg and Lincoln Club officer Doy Henley, who all gave the legal maximum of $1,000.