As expected, his disclosure report showed $62,725 in cash contributions during the April 1 through June 30 reporting quarter. Still, his expenses were $63,853 for the quarter. He still has $53,527.74 in cash on hand, though, thanks to a carry-forward balance. Lee’s report was filed to the state on Monday afternoon, ahead of the midnight deadline.
His three challengers in the July 31 GOP primary have raised total cash of $49,319, though the figure includes some loans the candidates made to their campaigns.
Larry Savage, who first challenged Lee in 2010, filed his latest report on Sunday, showing just three cash donations totaling $750, and a loan of $11,000.
“I just don’t have it in me to ask people for money, so the only people I got it from are those who gave it without being asked,” Savage said. His report shows a negative $4,700 balance.
Savage acknowledged that his lackluster finances likely will cost him votes.
“Money is the nectar of politics,” Savage said. “I’m not giving up, but that’s being realistic.”
Many of Lee’s contributors were the usual businesspeople and developers who typically give to political campaigns. He took in three contributions of $2,500 each from Sam Olens for Attorney General; Professional Design Group LLC; and Cheryl Brown.
Lee also accepted contributions totaling $1,500 each from lawyer Ben Mathis, a partner in Freeman, Mathis and Gary; the Peachtree Parliamentarians, which is linked to Mary Lou Stephens, who does communications for the Town Center Area Community Improvement District.
Thirteen donors gave $1,000 each to Lee. They included businessmen Robert Kiser, Kent Levenson and Mark Shaw; David Stockert, president of Post Properties; and John Tanner, president of Arylessence Inc.
Corporations that gave Lee $1,000 include Acadia Homes; Advanced Disposal; CBS Outdoor; C.W. Mathews Contracting Co.; and United Distributors, Inc.
Chamber of Commerce-linked donors included Chairman Tony Britton ($250); President David Connell ($200); past chairman Rob Garcia ($950); and Michael Paris, of the Council for Quality Growth, ($250).
“Folks are supporting me because they believe in my vision,” Lee said. The chairman acknowledged he spends a lot of hours dialing for dollars — and will continue to do so.
“Nobody’s told me no,” Lee said.
He is also confident of winning outright on July 31, and avoiding a runoff in the four-man race.
“We have a plan to win on 31st. and we’re funded to enable us to do that,” he said.
As reported Saturday in the Journal, retired Marine Mike Boyce brought in cash contributions of $20,501 this quarter, and has $12,259 on hand. Former chairman Bill Byrne raised $16,373 in cash this quarter, and has $11,740 on hand.
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How about you do us a favor and report facts about the candidates, not politically motivated personal/company agendas, or how much money this yahoo raises over that yahoo.
How about we find real candidates who use their personally earned money to fund their personal campaign? I bet we'd see 'em knocking on doors and at imprompt meets and greets around town. We would probably then find a real candidate who would represent the interests of the citizens and not the business associates or the friend of a friend of a friend in influential business positions.
I don,t always drink beer but when I do, I vote for @$#clowns!!!!!!
If he doesn't secure over 50% of the vote the first time around he is probably toast.
If the vote is close to giving him 50% and he is a little short keep a close eye on the final precincts that vote.
Don't forget the "Miracle of 100 Cherokee Street" that occurred during the most recent county SPLOST vote where the last couple of precincts just happened to pull victory from the jaws of defeat by a few votes.
The voters who vote for any of the other candidates are also voting against Leebama.
Not quite.
Actually Timmy they are supporting you because they know you will do their bidding even if it is not in the best interests of Cobb County.
After Savage wins, business "leaders" can ask for a reimbursement from Tim. Or, with Lee still in charge, have the county reimburse them.