Stephen Richer
Recently we took a look at some of the more contested and interesting primaries in our area, and with the 2nd quarter campaign finance reports now submitted, we finally got a final look at how the finances of the top four campaigns are looking, and as such, additional insight into the strength of those campaigns and their odds of success.
First we’ll check into the highly contested Democratic primary in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, with six competitors lining up to take on David Schweikert. First, Wall Street veteran Conor O’Callaghan has raised $1.2M over the course of the campaign along with a $900K loan to his campaign. He has spent $1.56M, leaving him with $547K Cash on Hand (CoH) as of July 1st; he is now spending into his own money however, something that he may be reluctant to do.
Next is former journalist, Marlene Galan-Woods, who has raised $1.5M and added a $75K loan into the mix. She has spent $1.1M, and is currently sitting on a robust $467K CoH. State legislator Amish Shah has raised $1.3M along with a $163K loan; he has spent $1.24M, leaving him with $216K CoH as of July 1st. Considering that much of his remaining funds are from his loan to the campaign, he may also be reluctant to spend much more. Finally, former political staffer and entrepreneur Andrei Cherney has raised the most of the bunch with an impressive $2.3M raised along with a $150K loan. He has spent $1.7M, and sits with $690K CoH.
Next we look at the Democratic primary for Maricopa County Sheriff. The Democrats’ preferred candidate Tyler Kamp raised $58.5K in Q2, has spent over $22K, and sits at $54K CoH. Current Sheriff and new Democrat Russ Skinner raised nearly $47K, but spent nearly $44K, leaving him with only over $10K CoH. On the Republican side, Jerry Sheridan raised $52K, spent an astounding $140.5K but still has over $81K CoH. Frank Milstead raised a very impressive $146K, but spent $138.5K and is down to $11K CoH. Lastly, Mike Crawford raised nearly $33K, but spent only $14K and has $55.5K CoH
Lastly, we look at the Republican primary for Maricopa County Recorder. Incumbent Stephen Richer remains head and shoulders above the competition, having raised over $157K in Q2, He spent a brisk $213K in the quarter but still has over $182K CoH. State legislator Justin Heap has raised $78K, spent $47.5K, and currently holds over $81K CoH. Retired IT expert Don Hiatt trails the pack, having raised nearly $28K, has spent $19K, and sits with $10K CoH.
The County Recorder primary seems like a clear one with Richer sailing towards the general election. The District 1 primary has turned into an arms race that is too close to call, and the County Sheriff’s primaries also seem too tight, except to say that Kamp is likely to move on.