Finance Fun in MD 4
With about four months to go until the Feb. 12 Democratic primary, Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D-Md.) reports he has almost four times more to spend on his campaign than his challenger, activist attorney Donna F. Edwards.
In campaign finance reports that cover the period ending Sept. 30 and made public on the Federal Election Commission's website this week, Wynn said he had raised $592,602 for his campaign and had $400,286 on hand to spend. Edwards, meanwhile, reported raising $214,365 but spending almost half, leaving her $100,511.
Both sides declared themselves pleased with the numbers. Edwards noted that almost half of Wynn's contributions came from political action committees rather than individuals. The two are more evenly matched in the number of individuals donating--with 121 giving $200 or more to Edwards in the last quarter and 189 donating $200 or more to Wynn. Wynn's campaign manager meanwhile notes that much of Edwards' money comes from people who don't live in the 4th district--or even in Maryland.
Wynn's $290,000 from PACs include contributions from several telecommunications companies, natural gas and propane interests, the Nuclear Energy Institute Federal PAC, Wal-Mart's PAC and other industry groups. They also include donations from unions, like the AFL-CIO, the Communications Workers of America and airline pilots and flight attendants. By contrast, Edwards has taken in only $2,100 from PACs (the Feminist Majority, the Friends of the Earth and Moderates Against Corruption.)
"What's fair to say is I've got the support of individuals both in and outside of the congressional district, but I don't have the support of the banking, telecommunications, oil or gas industries," Edwards said. "People over money, any day," she added.
Edwards' donors meanwhile include many who live in New York, California, Texas and elsewhere. On Tuesday night, she was feted at a fundraiser at the home of former ambassador Elizabeth Bagley and her husband Smith. Edwards said she has known the couple for two decades. Smith Bagley is president of the Arca Foundation, where Edwards serves as executive director. She has taken a leave of absence to run for office.
Other hosts of the event, where attendees were requested to make a $500, $1,000 or $2,300 donation, included leading progressives like Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters and Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
"The vast majority of our money comes from individuals in our district, in Maryland," said Wynn campaign manager Lori Sherwood. She said Edwards' money seemed to come from "individuals and organizations she's been affiliated with" as executive director of the Arca Foundation. "Our opponent has special interest. She's receiving money from Barbara Streisand, Hollywood money and New York money. I'm not sure if Barbara Streisand knows what the policies are in the 4th district."
(Streisand did, in fact, donate $1,000 to Edwards in April.)
Edwards said she's proud of those who organized this week's fundraiser, which was geared to people she has met in her professional life. She also attends two to three parties a week hosted by people in the district, she said.
The FEC has not yet posted this quarter's report for real estate agent George E. Mitchell. As for the end of June, he had raised $325.
By Rosalind Helderman |
October 17, 2007; 10:32 AM ET
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Rosalind Helderman
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Posted by: concerned citizen | October 17, 2007 2:17 PM
Moderates Against Corruption? Why do we need a California PAC making statements about corruption in Maryland's Fourth District?
Posted by: PGVoter | October 17, 2007 3:37 PM
My grandmother died from lung cancer. I cared for her in her last days and it was very difficult. Since then, I've spent my time educating people on the dangers of cigarette smoking. The Bagleys are related to RJ Reynolds. I don't support candidates that take tobacco money.
Posted by: For a Smoke Free World | October 17, 2007 4:24 PM
geez, the entire staff of the Wynn campaign has posted comments complaining about Edwards' campaign contributions. Considering that his contributor list looks like a Who's Who of energy, credit card and big corporate bad guys, it's pathetic to try to criticize Edwards for her contributions.
Memo to Al: just shut up, pocket the money and hope nobody notices. The more you do stupid stuff like this, the more everyone will realize just how much of a sleazeball you really are. Not that you care or anything.
Posted by: Al Wynn thinks we're idiots | October 17, 2007 9:42 PM
Just click on the link provided. It doesn't seem a little odd to you?
I have nothing to do with the Wynn campaign. I do know his committee assignments and who the major employers in the area are, so knee-jerk "corporate bad guys" doesn't make an impression.
Corruption? Sleazeball? If there's a case to be made, bring it!
Posted by: PGVoter | October 18, 2007 12:30 AM
I think your numbers on the Edwards campaign are wrong. Her filing, here indicate that she raised $83,550 and has $115,965 on hand.
Posted by: streiff | October 18, 2007 9:01 AM
First of all, check the spelling. Streisand spells her name Barbra, not Barbara. Secondly, if Wynn is accepting campaign contributions from outstate corporations and other fat cats - then he should STFU about where other candidates are getting their money from.
Posted by: rlk42 | October 19, 2007 12:24 PM
Streisand, New York, Hollywood - gee. I cannot imagine what cultural or religious trope Team Wynn is playing to. Somebody help me. Is Pat Buchanan in the house?
Wynn's money comes disproportionately from corporate lobbyists who might like him less if he lets his manager's anti-semitic dogwhistling stand without correction.
Posted by: Bruce Godfrey | October 19, 2007 12:49 PM
Anyone who follows politics would know that I was pointing out the obvious fact that she has limited financial support in the district and her money comes from out of state. In fact, I was referring to other press articles discussing Edwards events in New York and California. I was not making any comments regarding the religious backround of any donors. In fact, as campaign manager for Congressman Wynn, I can say that he receives a tremendous amount of support from the local and national Jewish community based on a long track record of his long support of Israel and issues of religious freedom and tolerance.
It's a shame that we cannot have a discourse on the issues in this race without insults and name calling
Posted by: Lori Sherwood | October 19, 2007 2:08 PM
I can't wait to have a responsive Congresswoman in my District. I have called and emailed Wynn's office numerous times, mainly having to do with the politics of the FDA and Pharma. They are of great interest to me, sleazy that they are, as my son was killed by a prescription drug.
I don't know whether I never heard back because of the topic or because his office is totally disorganized. But I do not feel represented, and know I will be with Donna Edwards.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 23, 2007 3:36 PM
How about Andy Harris outraising Wayne Gilchrest 4 to 1? The Post covers Wynn v Edwards, but not Harris v Gilchrest? Such a Dem-centric newspaper.
Posted by: James | October 25, 2007 9:17 PM
It is unfortunate that the African American Democratic Club will not allow Jason Jennings to participate in the November 17, 2007 debate. Voters deserve to listen to all candidates running in this election. Jason Jennings is also running for the Congressional seat 4th district and unfortunately will not be heard. While I understand that arrangements and the format were preset sometime ago, I am certain that the voters in this district would not mind listening to another alternative to our present representation.
Posted by: Juan Rodriguez | November 16, 2007 12:10 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
I noticed that Donna Edwards received campaign contributions from Barbara Streisand and other Hollywood stars such as Susan Sarandon during the 2006 campaign. With such Hollywood support, I would suggest that she run in Beverly Hills, CA instead.