The three candidates for the open position of district judge in Butler have combined to spend a little more than $9,000 on their campaigns.

The spending — like many are predicting will be the results of the May 19 primary itself — is competitive and closely divided, according to just-filed campaign finance reports.

Patrick W. Casey, an attorney with more than 25 years of practicing law, has spent and raised the most of the trio of hopefuls seeking the seat of retiring District Judge Pete Shaffer.

Friday was the deadline for candidates to file their expense reports for the latest cycle covering March 31 through May 4.

The reports of Patrick Casey and William “B.T.” Fullerton, who did not file committee papers to begin raising and spending money until later in the year, include expenses beginning Feb. 17 and March 13, respectively.

Casey’s committee has spent $3,620 and raised $3,700.

Close behind is William “B.T.” Fullerton, a Butler County assistant district attorney, who has spent $2,340. His report showed he has raised $3,074.

Robert “Bob” Geagan, a three-term state constable, spent $637 during the current reporting period. He raised $1,100 during that same time.

But Geagan, unlike his two rivals, has been collecting campaign contributions since the start of the year, having been the first to announce his candidacy.

For the cycle covering Jan. 1 to March 30, he spent $2,205 and raised $650.

Geagan’s latest report showed his campaign committee has a negative balance of $1,092.

Casey’s committee listed unpaid debts of $1,754. His ending cash balance was $79.89.

The committee for Fullerton showed a balance of $434.

All three candidates, along with the direct contributions to their committees, received in-kind donations during the current reporting period.

Geagan received an $800 in-kind donation for billboard signs. Fullerton got a similar donation of $650 for a billboard rental and for food and beverages that stocked a campaign event.

Casey’s in-kind donation of $450 was for food and drinks to supply two campaign events.

Each of the candidates is seeking both the Democratic and Republican nominations. District judge candidates can cross file in the primary.