With the City Council campaign for three open seats about to enter its final month, Andy Weissman, the pole-to-pole favorite, unofficially has raised more than twice as much money as his nearest of eight rivals.
Factoring in the $8,000-plus that Mr. Weissman took in at a fundraiser last Saturday night, he has raised more than $35,000 in the race that climaxes on Election Day, Tuesday, April 8.
Officially, Mr. Weissman counted $27,507 in donations at the Feb. 23 deadline for the latest financial filing period that started on Jan. 1.
That still gave him more than an $11,000 lead over the new runnerup in the dollar derby, Dr. Luther Henderson.
Armenta’s Standing
At $16,207, Dr. Henderson nosed out Christopher Armenta, who reported $15,265 in donations, dropping him from second place in the first round to third this time.
Dr. Henderson reported bringing $12,025 into his coffers for the latest filing period, which included a $10,000 loan.
Mr. Weissman had $17, 397 cash on hand, as of 10 days ago, giving him a $7,000 lead over Mr. Armenta, who was second at $10, 211.
Dr. Henderson’s campaign had $6,845 cash on hand.
Eye-Catching
Mehaul O’Leary’s campaign reported probably the most interesting numbers of any of the candidates.
He reported $6,940 raised during the seven-week filing period, but $3,000 came in the form of a loan.
Cumulatively, he has raised $14,120.
But, owing mainly to a $9,700 bill from a consulting firm in Torrance, Mr. O’Leary listed $14,120 in expenses, $12,933 in outstanding debts and $5,988 in cash on hand.
Among the eight candidates who filed statements, Jeff Cooper came in at No. 5.
He reported $7,128 raised and $6,602 in expenses, leaving him with a cash balance of $462.59.
Next in Line
At $1,000 raised, Cary Anderson checked in at No. 6. He reported no expenses yet.
Both Randy Scott Leslie and Gary Russell filed blank reports, indicating each has raised/spent less than $1,000, the minimum threshold.
City Hall still was awaiting Loni Anderson’s financial report.
