GREEN RIVER — Kenneth Roberts was able to raise thousands of dollars more than incumbent Scott Heiner prior to the Republican Primary Aug. 18, with Heiner receiving a few large donations from wealthy donors who also contributed to other Freedom Caucus candidates and supporters.

Roberts defeated Heiner for the Republican nomination in House District 18, which consists of portions of Sweetwater, Uinta and Lincoln Counties. Heiner was one of many Freedom Caucus members who were defeated in a loss that saw its influence in the Wyoming Legislature diminish significantly. Heiner was one of the Freedom Caucus’ founders and is the House Majority Floor Leader until his term ends.

According to data from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, Roberts reported $20,282.95 in campaign contributions, spending $7,716.43. He reports contributing $2,010 to his campaign, while receiving $11,825 from individual contributors, $5,500 from Wyoming-based Political Action Committees, $500 in anonymous contributions from a “Pass the Hat” event, and $447.95 from in-kind contributions.

Roberts received campaign contributions from within and outside of Wyoming, receiving $1,500 contributions from Bill Scarlett, Nicholas Houfek and Andrew Byron of Jackson, Joann True of Casper, and Ro Thompson of Lake Forest, Illinois. He also received $1,000 from Lisa Williams of Lusk, and smaller contributions from supporters in Rock Springs, Thayne, Douglas, Kemmerer, Diamondville, and Evanston. 

Roberts’ PAC funding consisted of a $1,500 contribution from the Wyoming Realtors PAC, $1,000 from the Wyoming Hospital Association PAC, $1,000 from the Lawyers Active in Wyoming PAC, and $2,000 from the Prosperity and Commerce PAC.

Heiner Courts Wealthy Donors

In total, Heiner reported receiving $12,681 in campaign contributions. A vast majority came from the $11,081.59 he received from individual contributions, with another $1,600 coming from PACs outside of Wyoming. He reported spending $8,258.83.

Heiner’s contributors were fewer than Roberts’, but most of the contributions he received were the $1,500 maximum from individuals. Dan and Carleen Brophy of Jackson each contributed $1,500, as did Pennsylvania billionaire Arthur Dantchik. Another Jackson-based donor, David Dalbec, contributed $1,500 to Heiner as well. Heiner also received $1,500 contributions from Daniel and Francine Scinto of California. Daniel is the President and CEO of Orange County Associates, Inc., while Francine serves as the Vice President of the company.

Heiner received $500 contributions from BayerPAC of Saint Louis, Missouri and the ExxonMobil PAC in Irvine Texas, and $300 contributions from the Denver-based CUPAC and the Motorola Solutions, Inc. PAC of Washington, D.C.