By Adam Kramer
The three Democrats vying for the Queens borough presidency have raised about the same amount of money, while the sole Republican trails far behind and the Independent candidate has decided not to participate in the campaign finance program.
Former Board of Ed President Carol Gresser leads the fund-raising pack in the quest to replace Claire Shulman, followed by City Councilwoman Helen Marshall (D-East Elmhurst), City Councilman Sheldon Leffler (D-Hollis) and City Councilman Alfonso Stabile (R-Ozone Park). Michael Niebauer, the Independent, does not have to file documents on the amount he has raised because he is not part of the matching funds program.
“There are two questions that arise when dealing with spending funds in an election,” said Evan Stavisky, a partner in the political consulting firm, The Parkside Group. “How much you spend and how smart you spend your money.”
He said in today’s political climate no single candidate will be able to outspend his or her opponent into oblivion. The candidate who spends $1 million foolishly will be beaten by an opponent who spends $100,000 wisely, Stavisky said.
“You have to spend enough money to get your message out properly,” he said, “and enough to compete in the race.”
Even though Gresser has collected the most in contributions compared to her opponents, she trails Marshall in total funds left in her war chest.
The candidates’ financial information covers campaign contributions and expenditures through July 11.
The Democratic and Republican candidates are participating in the 4-to-1 campaign matching fund program with the Campaign Finance Board. The city will match contributions up to $250 from city residents. This means that for a $250 contribution a candidate will receive $1,000 from the city.
The maximum contribution to any of the city council candidates is $2,500. The maximum amount a candidate can receive in public funds per election in an election year is $75,350 unless he or she is running against a candidate who has chosen not to accept public funds and is not abiding by the spending cap of $137,000. Then the public funds cap is $91,333.
Gresser has raised $328,723 and claims $109,474 are matchable funds, which gives her a total of $766,619, her filings showed. She has spent $266,345, leaving $500,274 in her war chest. Unlike her opponents, Gresser has an outstanding loan — she borrowed $100,000 from her husband, Lawrence, a lawyer and former Queens deputy borough president.
Leffler has $154,334 in contributions and reported $93,517 of his funds are eligible for the matching program, which equals $374,068 for a total of $528,402. He has already shelled out $142,336 in expenses, leaving $386,060 in his kitty
Marshall, who has received the endorsement of the Queens Democratic Party, has gotten contributions totaling $213,733, of which $103,817 is eligible for matching funds for $415,268. Her total of $629,001 minus her $58,575 in expenditures leaves $560,426 in her coffers.
On the Republican side, Stabile has raised $84,500 and said that $45,840 was eligible for matching funds for $183,360, giving him a total of $267,860. He has spent $60,664, leaving $207,196 in his war chest.
The candidates said they were where they wanted to be financially at this juncture with about six weeks left until the Democratic primary and about 10 weeks to the Nov. 7 election.
Gresser could not be reached for comment despite repeated calls to her campaign.
“I am in a good position to get out the word to the people on what I have accomplished,” said Leffler. “The cash on hand is very close. All you can do is make your best case.”
Marshall said she was satisfied with the amount of campaign money she had, but added “you can’t only depend on money, you have to get out there and shake people’s hands.”
Even though his campaign has been doing very well collecting funds, Stabile said not having a Republican primary has hurt him. He said his opponents have been able to garner more media attention then he has as the only Republican on the ballot.
Reach reporter Adam Kramer by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 157.
