Thomas MacMillan Photos
DeStefano, Holder-Winfield, Nemerson.
As mayoral candidates continue to raise money and decide where to spend it, former candidates face decisions of their own: What to do with the dregs of their defunct war chests.
For erstwhile Democratic mayoral-hopefuls Gary Holder-Winfield and Matt Nemerson, that decision is relatively easy, since they don’t have much cash left over to work with.
Another former candidate, John DeStefano (remember him?), has tens of thousands left over from his aborted run for reelection, and still hasn’t decided what to do with it.
Gary’s Gold
As a mayoral candidate, Holder-Winfield took part in the Democracy Fund, the city’s public campaign-financing program.
The Holder-Winfield campaign raised a total of $43,144.05 during the candidate’s run, including $26,170 from the Democracy Fund.
According to July 10 campaign finance disclosure filings, the Holder-Winfield campaign had $12,937.42 still on hand. That number may decrease as the campaign pays any outstanding debts.
“We’re going to pay our bills and final salaries and give whatever’s left over to the Democracy Fund,” said Holder-Winfield. “That’s what the plan is.”
Matt’s Moolah
Nemerson said he hasn’t decided what he’ll do with his balance. But it won’t amount to much money anyway, he said. “A couple hundred dollars at most.”
The Nemerson campaign raised a total of $34,915.13 and spent $30,949.86, leaving a balance of $3,965.27 as of July 10. That number may also decrease as the campaign ties up loose ends.
DeStefano’s Dollars
The DeStefano campaign, which has been out of commission for months since the mayor decided not to pursue reelection, still has more than $60,000 in its coffers, according to campaign treasurer Stan Kontogiannis.
He said DeStefano hasn’t yet decided what to do with it.
By law, he has several options. Before the election, he could give the money to a not-for-profit or return it back to his contributors. After the election, he’ll also have the option of giving the money to another political committee or to the Democracy Fund.
Kontogiannis said he should have an answer by mid-August on what DeStefano will do with his money.
It would be an outstanding way to leave office if Mayor DeStefano distributed his warchest to local non-profits. I'm kindof surprised there's only $60K. Didn't he raise $700,000K before he decided not to run or was that the LASY election?