Here are some quick metrics about the race that will likely interest some of you.
Campaign Funding:
For some unknown reason I was not able to open Abraham Monteros’ 8-day campaign finance report on the city’s website. However, according to the 30-day report he has raised $400 and spent less than $100. It is possible that he spent more money and raised some that is reflected in the 8-day report. However, it doesn’t seem like it was a significant amount, if any.
Three candidates did not accept any campaign contributions.
Dolores Garcia Baca has not spent or raised any money for her campaign. Likewise, Gordon Ray Thatcher did not raise any money but spent $209.76. Angel del Toro also did not raise any money but spent $507.20 on his campaign.
Rene Abilez raised $100 and reports that he has spent $1,371.51 on his campaign.
David Nevarez, on the other hand, raised $845 initially but only raised an additional $100 after the 30-day report. He loaned himself $500. I believe his inability to keep raising money is the result of his legal problems that I first exposed on my blog. Nevarez has spent $955.32 on his campaign, mainly on meals.
That brings us to the last two candidates that will likely faceoff on a run-off, Cemelli de Aztlan and Jim Tolbert.
Tolbert has raised $13,986.84 in campaign contributions. He has spent $5,197.81.
De Aztlan, raised $6,375.16 and has spent $3,749.51.
Although it is most likely that Cemelli de Aztlan and Jim Tolbert will be forced into a runoff, because of the low voter turnout during the early voting period, there is a small chance that Tolbert may squeak out a 50% plus 1 win. Though, to be sure, this is highly unlikely. Tolbert has the publicity of filing the ethics complaint against Larry Romero that ousted him from office and the support and backing of Susie Byrd and her cohorts. It will depend on how effective Byrd is in mobilizing her constituency.
Tolbert likely understands that he will face a difficult campaign when only two candidates or being contrasted against each other. Although not the incumbent, Tolbert will be scrutinized as an incumbent because of the ethics complaint he filed and his public environmental advocacy over the years.
As such, it is likely that he is hoping to outspend de Aztlan into tomorrow to mobilize enough votes to squeak by on election night. On a head-to-head competition, Tolbert will have to defend a public record that is controversial for some voters. Remember, likely voters do not like electing controversial figures.
If you live in District Two and you haven’t voted, then it is incumbent upon yourself to take matters into your own hands and cast a vote tomorrow.