Kasim Reed tops Borders, Norwood in mayoral cash scramble
July 7, 2009 at 6:23 pm by Scott Henry in News
City Council President Lisa Borders came back strong this past quarter — fundraisingly speaking — after taking seven months off the campaign trail, besting Councilwoman Mary Norwood by a fair margin. But state Sen. Kasim Reed managed to out-raise them both since the beginning of April, according to the candidates’ campaign disclosure reports, which were due today at 5 p.m.
It’s the first time it’s been possible to make an apples-to-apples comparison of all three top candidates’ fundraising efforts because of Borders’ temporary withdrawal from the race and Reed’s inability to raise money during the General Assembly.
So, here we go. In the last quarter, according to their disclosures:
Borders raised $403,528 and spent $270,866
Norwood raised $307,251 and spent $131,623
Reed raised $507,206 and spent $334,878
Those numbers are only for cash, not in-kind contributions, such as free catering, printing or foot massages for canvassers.
Now, interestingly, all three candidates have spent roughly the same amount — between $525,000 and $550,000 — over the entire campaign.
And now for the final figure — cash on hand — which tells you how much money the candidate had left in his or her war chest as of June 30. This amount provides a clue as to how effectively the candidate will be able to get out his or her message in the near-term.
Borders — $223,059
Norwood — $490,019
Reed — $436,186
Based on these figures, it seems likely that Borders will need to spend more of her time in fundraising efforts while her opponents are out working the campaign trail.
And the press releases are already appearing with the latest spin. Remember that, for the quarter, Norwood brought in $100,000 less in cash donations than Borders and $200,000 less than Reed. So what does her release say?
Norwood fundraising passes the million-dollar mark
Well, yeah, that’s true. Norwood apparently has raised just over $1 million since she first began her campaign what seems like seven years ago. But Reed raised close to $1 million and he’s been in the race less than a year.
Hope you’re not tired of the mayor’s race yet. It’s really just beginning…
July 7th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I’m not bored by any stretch of the imagination. This is a watershed (no pun intended) year for the city. Learning all we can about the candidates is essential. Media engaged in thorough, substantive reporting on the issues facing the city is critical to the future of Atlanta.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Who is trying to buy City Hall this time? I hope it is the voters rather than just another airport or watershed contract vendor?
Scott I hope you will do the research and give us more detail about where contributions are coming from, how many etc.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
@Angry Taxpayer… You posted the same comment on Galloway’s blog.
This looks like a three-way race to me. As long as the candidates stay within the legal contribution limits, I’m fine with it. That’s what campaign finance laws are about after all.
July 7th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Borders has a hill to climb to get back in this race. She has the least amount of money, no defined voter base, and just fired her campaign manager.
Looks like a Reed/Norwood runoff unless one of them screws up really bad.
July 8th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Right now Norwood is the best bet for being in a run-off. It’s tight between Reed and Borders, but Borders is somehwat of a dead fish when it comes to campaigning charisma. The piles of money flowing into Reed’s war chest could start to make him look pretty good. Spikes and the others better get going soon, or the race will be over for them by the end of August.
July 8th, 2009 at 12:22 am
What has Lisa accomplished, anyway? Besides working for Buckhead developers, I mean. Can anyone point to ANYthing she’s done for the city? Besides backing Buckhead developers, I mean.
And Kasim is just more of the same old Maynard Machine that elected Bill Campbell, Shirley and is placing its bets on Kasim. What has he done in the legislature? Built relationships with powerful people there who can help him get state funds as ATL Mayor? Gotten laws passed or funding approved that benefit the COA?
Can ANYone answer ANY of these questions?
July 8th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Scott, loveyoumeanit, really!
July 8th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Intowner: Lisa has done nothing. Kasim has done nothing. Mary has done nothing. So what’s your point? Does that mean they are not qualified to run for mayor? After all, what has Shirley Franklin done in her 8 years other than muck things up?
July 8th, 2009 at 8:27 am
To Intownerwriter boy, perhaps before making such comments regarding candidates you should do your due diligence in finding out what these candidates have accomplished instead of blindly speaking out your typewriter.
A list of many Kasim’s accomplishments in the legislature as well as his many honors are available for your eyes to see
http://kasimreed.com/kr_meet_record.html
I’m willing to bet Kasim’s done far more than you have as an intownwriter to progress this community. He’s been noted by both parties in the legislature for his ability to reach across the party lines to accomplish results as has been endorsed by many of the most influential legislators in the state. Yes, we need a candidate who can finally walk across the street to the capital and familiar to the legislators and able to comfortably talk with legislators to get some of the state funding to help Atlanta out. Kasim is the only candidate with the proven record/relationships to do that. Period. Kick rocks if you don’t think he still has done anything after actually doing your research.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Like any mayor, they all will likely have to learn earn the job. Atlanta needs somebody who is honest, intelligent, and can think outside the box for the next four years.
What does it say about Lisa, who thinks she is the business community candidate, if she is out raised by Kasim after getting back in the race? Her campaign is stagnate, she’s questionable as a candidate, and she has the least amount of money. Kasim has a strong campaign staff, good consultants and if he gets enough money he will probably win this race. God help us all.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am
S. Dekalb Voter: Reed is polling in low single digits in every poll that has been done.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Reed spent $350K in the last qtr. If his numbers haven’t moved up during this time, I get your point. However, if he is in the high teens to early twenties then he may be on his way to the runoff.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I think Kasim polled in the single digits bc the other major candidates have been elected citywide; therefore, have more name recognition. As the race progresses (which it is now), I believe Kasim will poll much higher.
I just don’t understand how Atlantans are paying attention to the fact that Lisa dropped out of the race and came back. I certainly do not want a person that indecisive leading the city.
Both Norwood and Borders are as much to blame for the city’s position as the current Mayor’s office.
Therefore, I have chosen to support Kasim. From what I have read, he has been successful as a Senator. Additionally, his answers to questions are more clear and direct than the other candidates.
In my book, Reed for Mayor.