Incumbent Bill Magnarelli (left) has a significant lead in fundraising over his opponent for the 120th state assembly seat, David Gay (right).
For bringing in the cash for the state’s 120th Assembly District seat, it sure helps to be an incumbent.
In this case, that’s 12-year incumbent Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse. His challenger is Republican newcomer David Gay. As of early April, Magnarelli has raised a total of $59,144 since the last election on Nov. 4, 2008. Gay has not filed campaign finance reports. He has not established an official campaign committee and has not collected any funds, Gay said.
That’s typical for all campaigns, said Kristi Andersen, a professor of political science at Syracuse University. Incumbents have the luxury of name recognition, which is vital, said Andersen. Newcomers, on the other hand, are starting from scratch.
“Incumbents get money from everyone, basically,” Andersen said. “As a newcomer, it is normally difficult to raise money. A challenger needs to get his or her name out there, via signs, letters, mailings, radio and TV ads — all of which cost money.”
Jeffrey Stonecash, also an SU political scientist, agreed that the money pattern in the 120th Assembly District race is typical. Challengers typically go door to door and try to convince people they are a viable option, said Stonecash. Then when September rolls around they start to fundraise. The amount of money they collect can serve as a sign of how well the candidate connected with the people, said Stonecash.
“It is unusual that a challenger bolts out of the gate with a lot of money,” said Stonecash. “First they must convince the people they are a viable option.”
As of early April, here’s an overview of Magnarelli’s fundraising, from reports filed with the State Board of Elections:
Magnarelli has raised a total of $59,144 since the last election on Nov. 4, 2008.
- Of that, the most — 37 percent, or $21,949 — came from named individual donors.
- 12 percent — or $7,125 — came from 18 law firms. The biggest donation from a law firm was Green & Seifter Attorneys, of Syracuse, who gave $2,500.
- His biggest donation was from Michael R. Brower of Syracuse, who gave $2,500. Brower is the federal policy director at the Mosaic Federal Affairs firm, a lobbying and consulting firm.
- 20 percent — or $12,200 — or Magnarelli’s contributions came from political action committees, or PACs, groups created to raise money for candidates or issues.
Since the last election on Nov. 4, 2008, Magnarelli has raised an average of $104 per day. But he’s also spent an average o $114 per day.
The strong support from lawyers is not surprising, said Grant Reeher, a political scientist at Syracuse University. “Candidates start with their immediate networks and branch out,” said Reeher.
Magnarelli has been an attorney at the Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein law firm for the past 30 years. He is a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.
Magnarelli describes that network as the fruit of his long career in the law. “I have practiced with lawyers for over 35 years,” Magnarelli said. “People you deal with the most know you and those are the people you go to and ask for help.”
And his support also reflects his roots in the community, he said. “I have lived in the community for 61 years, so I know a lot of people. I think that plays into being able to raise funds for a campaign,” Magnarelli said. “But I would also like to think people think I am doing a halfway decent job if they contribute.”
As of early April, here’s an overview of Magnarelli’s expenditures, also from reports filed with the State Board of Elections:
- Magnarelli has spent a total of $59,706 since the last election on Nov. 4, 2008.
- Of that, the most — 25 percent, or $15,115.59 — was spent on printing. The largest amount spent on printing was $12,756.11 at Kinaneco Printing Systems in Syracuse.
- 15 percent — or $8,887.95 — was spent on fundraising events.
- 7 percent — or $4,151.92 — was spent on meals.
For now, Republican challenger Gay downplays fundraising. Instead, he said, he is busy going door-to-door spreading the news that he is running. “I try to go to different neighborhoods every couple of days to let them know there is an alternative,” said Gay.
He argues he will win more votes on his stance, such as the nullification of unconstitutional laws and individualism. “I don’t care if I raise a dime,” Gay said. “It is about my message. It is about standing on principles, not standing on a pile of cash.”
(Rachel Stern is a graduate student majoring in magazine, newspaper and online journalism.)
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