10202007 - News Article - Contenders race to pack coffers - Dem raises, spends more than GOP rival in Portage mayoral run

Contenders race to pack coffers
Dem raises, spends more than GOP rival in Portage mayoral run
NWI Times
Oct 20, 2007
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/contenders-race-to-pack-coffers/article_14cf2c3e-8ef8-5bfc-aa4e-7fe79ba1c83f.html
PORTAGE | Democrat mayoral hopeful Olga Velazquez raised double what her opponent Republican James Snyder collected, according to pre-election campaign finance reports released Friday.

Since April 14, Velazquez has raised $56,267 to Snyder's $26,118. The reporting period ended Oct. 12.

Velazquez had an edge coming into the reporting period by carrying over $15,182 cash on hand from the primary election. In total, since the beginning of the year, Velazquez has raised $95,207 for her mayoral campaign.

Snyder got a late start in the campaign, not announcing his intentions to seek the mayor's seat until June 30. Councilman Dave Highlands had been the Republicans' candidate for the Nov. 6 election but died just before the May primary.

Mayor Doug Olson endorsed Velazquez for the seat last December when he announced he would not seek a third term. Olson also has been Velazquez's largest financial supporter, contributing $6,000 to her campaign since the beginning of the year.

Velazquez also has outspent Snyder. Her financial report indicates she has spent $45,614 since April and $69,372 since the beginning of the year. She finished the reporting period with $25,835 cash on hand.

Snyder has spent $18,491 so far and had $7,627 left in his campaign coffers on Oct. 12.

Snyder's biggest contributor has been the Porter County Republican Party with a donation of $4,025.

"I truly believe that the people who believe in my experience, believe in my message, believe in my candidacy are those who are supporting me," Velazquez said.

"I'm not surprised at all," Snyder said about the difference in contribution totals. "This election can't be bought no matter how much money Mrs. Velazquez raises."

Snyder said the difference is not indicative of the final vote. Recent polling, he said, indicates he and Velazquez are "dead even" and "the undecideds are learning our way."