Christianson challenger is leading in fund raising, so far

Challenger Rob Jackson outraised Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson in the first half of 2009, though additional fund raising hasn't been reported since.

Through June 30, Jackson had raised $12,700 while Christianson reported no donations. But the sheriff's campaign schedule shows a luncheon fund-raiser scheduled for Wednesday at downtown Modesto's Galletto Ristorante.

Jackson, of Oakdale, served nearly 20 years with the Sheriff's Department before taking a job as a Turlock police captain two years ago. His donations include the $2,975 he loaned his campaign in April.

Though raising nothing in the year's first half, Christianson, a Modesto resident, spent nearly $10,000, including a $744 reimbursement to himself "for specialty item for events," according to a disclosure form. Of his other payments, $4,000 went to a Sacramento political consultant and $513 to cell phone charges.

-- Garth Stapley