Early Fundraising Reports Are In
One of the early indicators of the viability of political candidacies has been released by election officials — campaign fundraising totals through June 30, 2009.
50th Congressional District
In the 50th Congressional District, the Federal Elections Commission reports that incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray has raised $424,370 . He reported no loans, spending of $137,253 and cash on hand of $388,882.
Democratic challenger Francine Busby reported raising $165,717. Busby reported $5,000 in loans, spending of $29,620 and cash on hand of $136,098.
Tracy Emblem reported raising $63,902. Of that, $27,406 were contributions and $36,496 were loans. Emblem has spent $48,434 and has $15,467 cash on hand.
Get more commentary on the reports from the North County Times.
Escondido Mayor and Council
Early fundraising is also important for local races, and there is new information on how candidates for Escondido Mayor have fared, according to a North County Times story by David Garrick.
Councilmember Sam Abed reported raising approximately $49,000 through July 31, while Councilmember Dick Daniels reported about $12,000 cash on hand.
Council candidate Richard Barron reported raising $2,300. Councilmember Marie Waldron has raised no money this year, but has $11,000 remaining from her 2006 campaign funds. Former Councilmember Ed Gallo has about $3,000 remaining from his 2008 campaign, when he lost to Olga Diaz.