Money doesn't always talk

Apparently, money doesn’t win elections.

Despite raising over $1 million – and spending almost double what he spent per vote four years ago – incumbent Republican Commissioner Phil Heimlich was ousted in Tuesday’s election.

In campaign finance reports filed with the Board of Elections, Heimlich raised $1,047,000 – an all-time high for a Hamilton County commission race -- through Oct. 18, the last reporting date before the election.

With that, Heimlich received 129,539 votes – or $8.08 per vote.

When Heimlich was elected commissioner four years ago, his campaign raised $592,867 and got 143,638 – or $4.13 per vote.

By comparison, Commissioner-elect David Pepper (pictured) raised $847,000 through Oct. 18. He received 143,951 votes – or $5.88 per vote.

Those prices are likely to rise.

Campaign reports were only through Oct. 18. Any money raised or spent after that is to be included on the Dec. 15 final campaign finance reports.