Candidates File Last Finance Reports Before Primary

With just days remaining before the 2014 primary elections, five Democratic candidates for governor produced few surprises in campaign finance reports filed with secretary of state Thursday.

Front-runner Gary King once again loaned a large sum of money—nearly $195,400—to his campaign for governor. King similarly loaned himself around $100,000 during the first campaign finance report. The strategy seems to be bearing some fruit, as the current state Attorney General was able to run a TV ad last week to build on his heavy name recognition.

King's fundraising isn't as hot. This period, he reported raising $40,563, spent $207,785.18 and reported $75,518.47 left in the bank.

But Alan Webber, the Santa Fe businessman who's made a name for himself in terms of fundraising and injecting his own fortunes into his campaign this election, again led the pack in raising money this cycle. Webber racked up $180,483.60, which included donations from out-of-towners like GOOD magazine founder Benjamin Goldhirsh as well as prominent locals like former state Economic Development Secretary Fred Mandragon and Drug Policy Alliance Executive Director Emily Kaltenbach.

Webber has $255,886.75 left in the bank to reach voters before Tuesday's final balloting.

Although Lawrence Rael raised just $42,792, he began the period with $209,557.37 and ended it with $109,486.79 on hand. His donors included former Gov. Bill Richardson officials like chief of staff James Jimenez and former Department of Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil. Former University of New Mexico President F Chris Garcia also shelled out cash for Rael.

In his run for governor, state Sen. Howie Morales continued to struggle with translating the success of his on-the-ground organization into money. Morales raised $25,134.86 this go-round. His latest finance report also shows continued support from the education community. While the political action committee of the American Federation of Teachers gave Morales $5,200, he also netted donations from Santa Fe Public Schools board member Glenn Wikle and Albuquerque Public Schools board member Kathy Korte.

Morales reported $25,134.86 on hand.

State Sen. Linda Lopez again raised the least amount of the candidates running for governor, taking in just $11,950. Lopez spent $6,149.43 and reported $19,757.25 on hand.

Of course, all of these numbers paled in comparison to incumbent Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, who raised a whopping $403,307.07 this period and spent $325,536.13. She reported $4.2 million in the bank.

The winner of the Democratic Primary for governor will face off against Martinez in the November general election. For information about other state and local races on the ballot Tuesday, see SFR's endorsements and sample ballots published by the Santa Fe County clerk.

Registered Democrats and Repubicans may cast their respective primary ballots during early voting today from noon-8pm and Saturday from 10 am-6 pm at the Santa Fe County Fair Building, 3229 Rodeo Road; Eldorado Senior Center, 16 Avenida Torreon; Edgewood's Old Fire Station, 25 East Frontage Road; Santa Fe County Pojoaque Satellite Office, 5 W.Gutierrez Ste. 9, Pojoaque Pueblo Plaza. On Tuesday, polling places statewide are open from 7 am-7 pm.

Santa Fe Reporter