The All-Purpose 30-Day Campaign Finance Report Thread
As you almost certainly know from your e-mail, the 30-day reporting deadline for Delaware races was midnight Sunday.
Starting today, we’ll begin to see the reports pop up at the Department of Elections site. It generally takes 2 to 3 days for all the reports to appear online.
I’ll be checking throughout the day and reporting what I find. I invite you to do the same. I will especially be looking to see how well-heeled D elected officials disburse their money, if at all. Will LBR, who begged for money during the primary even though she had no primary challenger, deign to give out any of her lucre to Delaware candidates? Who will Pistol Pete donate money to? Val? Sarah McBride? Will the Senate D Caucus rally around Kyra Hoffner and Russ Huxtable? Will the House D Caucus rally around Rae Moore, Frank Burns and perhaps Keenan Worley? What other prospective members of House leadership will hand out $$’s, and to whom? Just for giggles, who will Chris Kenny open his wallet for?
So many questions, answers coming soon.
If you think that Colleen Davis will be content remaining as a semi-permanent State Treasurer, her campaign finance report will disabuse you of that notion.
Started the year with $107K, and raised an additional $89K.
Didn’t spend much of it on campaign donations. Lumpy Carson, Sherry Dorsey Walker and Larry Mitchell were the sole local beneficiaries, at least from her campaign account.
She indeed is almost as peripatetic as BHL, but in a different way. It’s not like she goes 80 miles a minute like Hall Long, but she shows up everywhere.
It’s time to start finding out what, if anything, she stands for, other than rising up the political food chain.
To me, she has the SOUL of a Lt. Governor.
To partially answer your last question, Chris Kenny has already paid for and sent three mailings into the 6th Senate District. All 3 pieces are for Republican Steve Smyk and contain photos of Smyk with or in front of police officers; display a police badge, and touts his state trooper and national guard service. His issues are crime, lowering tax dollars, etc. BTW, the multiple pictures across 3 mailings contain only white men.
Mr. Kenny has no idea of the demographics of the 6th District.
Kenny has also sent 2 mailings for the R candidate for the 20th House seat.
What did the ‘Paid For By’ line read on those lit pieces?
Folks, if you have shopping choices, you can go elsewhere rather than to Shop Rite. Your grocery $$’s are paying for the Kenny family to prop up the Rethuglican Party.
“Paid for by A Better Delaware PAC”
I find it amusing that Chris Kenny can find the spare change to toss at a slimeball well outside his home district, when he takes his damn time paying his contractors. Its no accident that the remodel of the Stanton store is still dragging on. I thought he was saving all this money by getting rid of the cashiers. He claims he quit the hard stuff years ago, but what you are seeing is the product of an addled mind and a “daddy’s money” mentality. Take a walk around his own personal website sometime; he drew his own coat of arms and fancies himself a “thought leader”. He’s a clown and I can’t wait to see his operation take a hit when Wegmans opens
We should rejoice that Mr. Kenny has no clue about Senate District 6. This ignorance could develop into a ready, fire, aim result.
Keegan Worley’s report is in. Raised $13K, spent about $3K. Schwartzkopf, Longhurst and the House D PACs all came through. So did Stonewall, DSEA, Madinah, Eric, and Bentz. OK report. Was hoping for more contributions and more campaign expenditures.
Still, it’s more than his opponent Jeff Hilovsky has raised and spent. About $10.5 raised, $2111 spent. Of course, Hilovsky already went through a primary in RD 4, a district that was sent downstate during redistricting.
Registration numbers not great in that district. But it’ll get more D as we move along…
Smyk raised $70 K this year. Actually, it was more like $48K as he transferred the $22K from his previous campaign committee to this one. Which is legal. Spent $19K.
His contributors read like a who’s who of Delaware’s worst.
A couple of notable expenditures: $3300 at the Big Oyster Brewery and $2000 at Dorman Custom Apparel.
Interesting to see Kenny investing in Suxco. I thought the plan was to throw money into the furnace in an attempt to help NCC candidates and restore the the Vicmead Hunt Club.
He’s no doubt ‘helping’ NCC candidates. The signs of Kyle Evans Gay’s opponent might just as well have the Shop-Rite logo on them.
Not much he can do in most districts. Mike Ramone, and…and…that’s about it.
Kenny invested in Milford Live, and in so doing got Bryan Shupe to take command of Kenny’s flagship, Delaware Live. He’s learning how to weild them, this week firing a missile right at DSEA. DSEA should take note of this and hire a wartime consiglieri. They have rationalized their enemies intentions for far too long. DSEA should contact the head of the trade unions for advice.
David W. Thomas, the law enforcement guy running against Rae Moore, raised over $24K and has spent about $13 K. About $5K in receipts came from him, both contributions and loans to the campaign. Didn’t see any red flags (aka D’s off the reservation) among his contributors.
For a Biden appointee Thomas has taken the art of the turncoat to the next level. he even got Basil Battaglia!
George HW Bush appointed him as a US Marshal.
With the recommendation of Biden, back when things worked that way, but appointee was the wrong word.
Sherry Dorsey Walker raised about $8K this year, quite a bit of it coming FROM legislators, but didn’t donate to a single D legislator or candidate. Did I mention she’s running unopposed?
Matt Meyer doesn’t have to file a report today, I don’t think, but it’ll be interesting to see if doles out any of the money he raised with those emails recently. Normally candidates who aren’t in cycle aren’t as visible in raising money so as not to distract from the candidates who are funding to (hopefully) win the fall elections.
I know he donated to Deb Heffernan in a contested primary.
Haven’t come across his name yet in the reports I’ve read, but we’ve had more from downstate so far…
To me, the Rohrschach tests for statewide/countywide candidates will be in the three most contested races–Russ Huxtable, Kyra Hoffner, and Frank Burns. Also Rae Moore, who is facing a tougher challenger than other D incumbents.
Brenda Mennella, who is running against James Walsh in SD 9, raised about $18K and loaned the campaign in excess of $5 K. Spent about $15K. Lots of gun nuts on her contributor list. Oh, and Chris Kenny, who didn’t hide behind his PAC on this one.
Walsh started out the cycle with almost $28K on hand and raised another $29K, including a lot of $600 checks from his fellow caucus members. He spent $19,600, so he’s still flush. Should coast to victory in this D district.
Anyone thinking that Carl Phelps could pose a threat to Speaker Pete, fuhgeddaboutit.
He raised $7251, spent $14,371, leaving his campaign balance at a tidy minus-$7120. And 29 cents.
So?
Ramone’s daughter–the campaign that isn’t. Raised $2810, lent the campaign $1666. 666 is a good number for this campaign.
Her opponent, Paul Baumbach, had $32K in the bank as of the first of the year, raised another $18K.
VERY disappointed that none of that money went to Democratic House candidates/incumbents. I mean, if ANY D should donate to Frank Burns’ campaign, you’d think it would be the guy running against Ramone’s daughter. Oh, well, maybe he’s knocking doors for the Good Doctor.
I can confirm that Rep Baumbach was at a fundraiser last week for Frank Burns (along with Senator Sokola). I don’t know if he ended up donating anything, but he is showing his support.
Paul Baumbach has contributed to my campaign, (it was a personal, not from his committee, contribution) and has indeed been knocking doors for us. I’d like to also give a shout out to other officials and candidates that have been generous in a mix of time, guidance, and yes dollars. Eric Morrison, Dave Sokola, Laura Sturgeon, Madinah Wilson-Anton and Cyndie Romer.
Its my first time doing one of these reports so mine will probably be last minute. Brittany is doing something, larger format road signs along the boarder between our districts that look very much like her father’s with a big Ramone and a very tiny Brittany.
Typical. If there’s a slimy angle to be worked, the Ramones will find a way to work it. I’m really thrilled that so many elected officials are helping out.
Sounds to me as if the entire thing is geared toward re-electing Pops.
Whenever I run into “entrepreneurs” of his type I realize that a lot of people go into business for themselves because they’re incapable of holding a job in which they’re accountable to a boss.
Gotta take a break. Even an obsessive needs to set his obsessions aside every now and then.
Feel free to jump in as more reports come online. Back–eventually.
Russ Huxtable’s report ROCKS! Raised $30K since the 8-day primary report, had $28K on hand. The Senate D Caucus is totally on board. Several maxed out in this report. Yes, Bruce Ennis maxed out in addition to several of the returning senators. I know for a fact that Sarah McBride will be at least one of the senators who will be campaigning in the district for Russ.
Whether or not Smyk outspends him is immaterial. Fact is, Huxtable will be able to do everything he needs to do to win.
I am totally NOT shocked and decidedly NOT surprised to report that Nnamdi raked in 12,800 in the 8-day period before the primary. The lowlights include max contributions from assorted lobbyists, 1200 from a pair of Buccini’s, 600 from the State Chamber and wait for it 200 from the Trooper’s PAC!!! He spent just shy of 32k in the last week of the campaign. His cost per vote may easily be the highest in the state.
The dude is bought and paid for the remainder of his tenure which should end in ’24! anybody that thinks he’s gonna do better for his constituents is dreaming.
With all that lucre he managed to win by 90 votes. Shane’ will be in Dover soon !
Enjoyed this tidbit from Dee Durham’s report. Developer Larry Tarabicos donated $300. Dee Durham returned it. Didn’t see a single contribution from a developer on her report.
I think she’s a rarity on Council. Incorruptible. Her and Dave Carter.
Dave Carter was my councilperson before I moved to KC. I have nothing but shining things to say about him. He’s engaged, knowledgeable, and more progressive than I could have ever expected a councilperson to be given the shape of that district.
Dave has always been the real deal. He was sounding alarm bells over the Ft. DuPont money pit long before the corruption at its root surfaced. He would have been a great DNREC Secretary, but not in a state so willing to sell out to polluters and greedy developers cheaply.
Good report from Kyra Hoffner. Raised an additional $15K post-primary. Between her eight-day report and this report, it’s clear that she has strong support within the caucus. Bruce Ennis maxed out in the 8-day report. Both of the Senate PACs maxed out. Big shout-out to Kevin Musto, my wife’s pharmacist friend. He ran in the primary, but still donated $500. Good for him.
Pugh has raised good money as well. About $36K, meaning neither candidate will have to campaign on the cheap.
Kerri’s report just hit. Solid support from the elected class including max from Val.
Pete was a no show of course.
Mike Ramone’s report is in. Had close to $20K on hand, raised another $27 K, spent $16K.
DINO Quinn Johnson, remember him, was one of Ramone’s benefactors.
Speaker Pete’s report just popped up. So much to unwind.
$1200 to KMG. $$’s to his Kop Kabal supporters: Lumpy, Deb Heffernan, Larry Mitchell, Nnamdi, Stephanie Bolden, Bill Bush, plus Kim Williams. He also donated to Keegan Worley and Stell Parker Selby. And Bud Freel, which likely was for the Special Election.
Quite the select (and exclusive) group. Suggests he still hopes to hang on to the speakership.
Everybody likes to pay fealty to the Speaker. To the tune of a beginning balance of almost $97K with an added $54K this year. He will receive far less fealty as a back-bencher.
Everybody likes to pay fealty to the (possible) future Speaker. Our PAL Val’s report has gone online.
Started the cycle with $133 K, raised an additional $56K, spent $16K. Has an astronomical $173K-plus on hand.
Donations include to the following candidates/legislators: DeShanna Neal, Cyndie Romer and Kerri Evelyn Harris (all after the primary), Sophie Phillips (both before AND after the primary), Nnamdi and Bolden (before the primary), Rae Moore, Bill Bush, and Keegan Worley.
Oh, and $300 to Lydia York.
Looks to me that, if the speakership comes down to a battle between Schwartzkopf and Longhurst, Longhurst just MIGHT have a few more chips with which to play.
Longhurst feels like a done deal to me.
Oh, one more thing about Schwartzkopf’s and Val’s reports. Neither committee has given one thin dime to Frank Burns.
We’ll see if the House PACs have maxed out once Frank’s report surfaces.
Bryan Townsend’s 30-day report is MY kind of report–raised $19K, and spent almost all of it. Highlights:
Max contributions to both Russ Huxtable and Kyra Hoffner. $2500 to the D Senate PAC, which will help elect both Russ and Kyra. Max contributions to Eric Morrison, Cyndie Romer and Brandon Toole. Oh, and $1200 to Lydia York.
PLUS, he returned several contributions from, um, dubious lobbyists, including Deb Heffernan’s beloved American Chemistry Council.
nice!
When you have an ‘Open For Business’ sign for lobbyists, you can raise a lot of money. Spiros Mantzavinos raised over $80 K this year. A who’s who of special interests.
Isn’t spreading any of that money around to other candidates, either. One lone contribution to Bud Freel’s committee for the special election. That’s it.
Well, he WAS a lobbyist, for the oil industry no less, before he teamed up with, wait for it, the Hellenic Hellcat, KMG.
Frank Burns’ report is in. Raised over $22K, lent campaign $7500 more. Not bad, could use more.
Let’s see who gave and who hasn’t–Madinah, Eric Morrison (BOTH his campaign and individual contributions), Dave Sokola (BOTH his campaign and individual contributions), Progressive Dems of Delaware, Stonewall PAC, and ONE of the House Legislative PACs, gave.
Nary a dollar from Pete or Val. There’s AT LEAST one more House D PAC that hasn’t contributed. There’s a shit-ton of D legislative incumbents who haven’t given, not to mention D challengers with token R opposition.
Meaning, there are a lot of prospective donors who should be contributing right now. I’ll be looking closely to see whose names pop up on the 8-day report.
If you have some $$’s to spare, this is where I suggest you spend them.
Did Sarah McBride’s campaign finance report BREAK THE INTERNET?
It apparently caused the Department of Elections reporting system to collapse under the sheer financial heft of the report. From the DOE website:
“PLEASE NOTE: The 30-Day General Election campaign finance report for the Friends of Sarah McBride committee was unable to be filed by the submission deadline due to a technical issue in the campaign finance reporting system. This issue was not in any way the fault of the committee, which was timely in reporting information as required, and was prepared to submit its completed report by the deadline. The Department is working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue, and the report will be posted as soon as possible.”
Julianne Murray raised over $100 K this year. Chris Kenny donated $1200 of it, not to mention whatever he’s doing thru his dark money PAC.
Kids–Every time you buy groceries at Shop Rite, you are enabling him. Consider shopping somewhere else.
So, I read the Murray report to see how many people I know personally are down the rabbit hole and having lived over 20 years in Sussex it was way too many! But this contribution caught my eye. Who are they and why do they have subsidized space in the Community Service Building????!!!!
07/25/2022 Delaware Foundation for Legislative Action 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 106, Wilmington, Delaware,
19801
$1,200.00
“Delaware Foundation for Legislative Action”
Gun nut PAC.
https://delawareliberal.net/2018/02/22/delaware-lawmakers-with-nra-blood-on-their-hands/
And a Gun nut PAC should get a favorable lease in a prime location reserved for non-profits? Delaware Way, way off base!
The tenant list looks to be non-partisan. Although, the gun nut PAC is not listed. Maybe intentional, or maybe just an out-of-date list. Could just be a drop box.
https://www.csbcorp.org/tenant-list
As impressive as Murray’s haul is, it pales in contrast to that of Kathy Jennings.
Started the year with over $100K on hand, and raised almost $400K this year.
BTW, if you wanna scroll thru the report, give yourself about an hour. She literally included every contributor by name and amount regardless of how small the donation. BTWBTW, I think that’s the way to be totally transparent.
FINALLY got a look at Sarah McBride’s financial report. If you’re a detective, you MIGHT find it at the Department of Elections site. I couldn’t, so I asked that it be sent to me. All 59 pages of it. Sarah started out the year with over $59K in the bank, raised another $106K, and spent over $76K, a lot of it to support candidates and organizations.
She also has her own PAC, (Tomorrow PAC). According to a release that accompanied her report:
“In total, through a mix of her PAC, her committee, and through outreach to her email list, Sarah has raised or has given more than $60k for other candidates and advocacy groups. Chief among them, Sarah has raised or given $38k for the Senate Majority Caucus program to help protect the Senate majority that has led on key issues over the last two years – but she’s also raised or given $5k for other candidates and $17k for advocacy groups.”
I noticed a generous donation to the campaign of Sen. Rafael Warnock in Georgia among her expenditures. She maxed out to both Russ Huxtable and Kyra Hoffner.
I also noticed that she got contributions from a bleepload of states.
She’s already a national figure. All she has to do now is run for an office worthy of her status.
I second that nomination.