Tejada Surges in Campaign Contributions
by SCOTT McCAFFREY, Staff Writer
(Created: Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:04 AM EDT)

http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2007/09/20/arlington/news/nws400.prt

Democrat Walter Tejada led the five candidates for County Board in fund-raising during the most recent reporting period, taking in $16,755 and bringing his total contributions for the campaign to $27,005, according to paperwork filed with county election officials.

Tejada, who currently serves as the board's vice chairman, received donations from 108 sources during the financial reporting period, which covers July 1 to Aug. 31.

Candidates were required to file paperwork by with state and county election officials Sept. 17. All five County Board candidates made the deadline.

Tejada's Democratic ticket-mate, Mary Hynes, raised $2,321 from 36 contributors during the reporting period, bringing her total for the campaign to $29,566.

Republican Mike McMenamin, making his second bid for County Board in as many years, raised $8,987 from 76 contributors during the two-month period, bringing his total to $21,321. His ticket-mate, Joseph Warren, raised $500 from six contributors during the period, bringing his total to $1,325.

Green Party candidate Josh Ruebner's campaign reported raising $1,116 from 16 contributors during the period. Ruebner, who also ran for County Board last year, had reported no funds raised in previous reports this election cycle.

At the end of the reporting period, candidates reported the following funds on hand: Tejada, $19,136; Hynes, $9,998; McMenamin, $8,673; Warren, $1,295; and Ruebner, $1,032.

In another race that is drawing attention - for Clerk of the Circuit Court - Democrat Paul Ferguson reported that he had raised $10,158 during the reporting period, for a total of $15,514 raised to date. His Republican opponent, Mark Kelly, reported $4,059 in contributions for the period, $14,389 for the campaign.

At the end of the reporting period, the Ferguson campaign had $15,414 on hand, while the Kelly campaign had $7,771.

School Board candidate Abby Raphael, a Democrat who is unopposed, reported receipts of $3,104 in contributions from 39 sources during the reporting period. That brings her total for the campaign (which includes the contested Democratic endorsement process) to $34,443. She had $2,308 on hand at the end of the reporting period.

The financial reports include both cash contributions and in-kind donations. Under state law, there is no limit to campaign contributions for local candidates, but every contribution over $100 must be itemized.

The next filing deadline for candidates is slated for Oct. 15, representing receipts and expenses for the month of September.

Links to all the financial reporting documents can be found in the elections section of the county government's Web site at www.arlingtonva.us.