David and Goliath story in plays as financial reporting numbers in Smyrna mayor’s race announced

For many, the biblical story of David versus Goliath, found in the book of Samuel, is a familiar one. According to the story, a heavily armed Philistine giant, challenged Saul for 40 days to send out a man to fight him. No one would face this warrior until David, armed only with a sling and stones, volunteered. David took on Goliath and the rest is history. 

The Smyrna Mayor’s race has drawn parallels to the biblical tale of David and Goliath, not based on strength and might, but with a focus on campaign finances. Incumbent Derek Norton has reportedly outpaced his challenger, Ken Hymes, in fundraising efforts. In this modern-day narrative, Hymes, the challenger, is facing a well-funded incumbent, akin to David facing Goliath. Just like David in the biblical story, Hymes is showing that he is ‘not scared’ as he continues to push forward to get his message out to voters, even with a smaller purse than his well-financed opponent Norton. 

The campaign signs in Smyrna reflect the financial divide in the campaign, with Norton’s larger signs being more prominent compared to Hymes’ smaller ones. Hymes had larger signs with his picture on them, that are no longer where they were originally placed. Hymes is getting an introduction to a common and challenging issue in political campaigns, the mysteriously disappearing signs.

Notwithstanding those obstacles, a determined Hymes is resorting to grassroots campaigning and has been actively engaging with voters, by knocking on doors and meeting people in their communities. Believing in his campaign, Hymes has put his money where his mouth is and loaned his campaign a significant portion of its funds raised to support getting his message out to voters.

Norton’s campaign has received thousands of dollars of contributions from fellow lobbyists, attorneys, and businesses, some of which are involved in dealings with the City of Smyrna. Most notably, Norton has received donations from candidates running in the Smyrna Council races, raising questions about the motivations behind their contributions. Norton has also received a donation from Democratic State Senator Doug Stoner, which surprised many. 

Hymes was not as widely known when he qualified to run for Smyrna Mayor, but months later, he is as recognizable as the incumbent. Hymes adopted grassroots campaign strategies to make himself known to voters, reminiscent of Barack Obama’s early political campaigns. Obama, despite being unknown at the time, connected with voters through door-knocking and community engagement, ultimately achieving electoral success against more well known and well financed opponents. Hymes is following a similar approach as he attends meet and greets being hosted for him by supportive Smyrna citizens, and knocking on doors of others to convey his message to voters.

Notwithstanding the financial disparities in the Smyrna mayoral election, it is essential to remember that voters will have the final say. The citizens of Smyrna will elect the next Mayor based on their beliefs, trust in the candidate, and their assessment of the candidates’ qualifications, regardless of the financial resources at their disposal. 

Voters are encouraged to become well-informed about all candidates and issues impacting their community before they go to the polls for the General Election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Campaign Finance Numbers

According to campaign finance reports, lobbyist and incumbent Mayor Norton has raised $138,260 as of the Sept. 30 fundraising deadline.

Hymes, a Director with Warner Bros. Discovery, has raised about $33,300 as of the Oct. 25 fundraising deadline, $20,000 of which was a personal loan to his campaign. 

There is a lesser known third candidate in the race, Alex Backry, but he does not have a campaign committee to raise funds.