When it comes to contributions, Democrat Kathleen Joy turns mostly to individuals in Onondaga County for her campaign for the 50th state Senate District seat.
That’s common for a challenger, said Kristi Andersen, a political scientist at Syracuse University. “I would expect to see donations from people who feel loyal to her — people who would give her money no matter what,” said Andersen.
Joy, a Syracuse Common Councilor, is challenging an 18-year incumbent, Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse. The 50th state Senate District includes parts of Syracuse and most of Onondaga County. The election is Nov. 2.
As of Oct. 22, Joy had raised $29,264, according to campaign disclosure forms filed with the New York State Board of Elections. In comparison, DeFrancisco has raised over $200,000 this year alone.
The 50th district is marginally more Republican in voter enrollment, giving DeFrancisco a slight advantage. The New York State Board of Elections reports 65,952 voters enrolled as Republicans; 65,445 enrolled as Democrats and 48,879 as unaffiliated with a party.
Here’s a snapshot of Joy’s fundraising, from the state elections board:
- Of her total contributions, 54 percent — or $15,664 —came from named individuals.
- Her largest individual donor contributed $1,000. It was from her own mother, Barbara Joy, who lives in Fredonia.
- 41 percent — or $12,000 — came from political action committees, or PACs, and unions. PACS or political action committees, raise money to elect or defeat candidates or policies.
- Her biggest PAC contributions are $2,000 from the local United Auto Workers PAC; $1,000 from the Iron Workers Local 60; $1,000 from The Eleanor Roosevelt League, which supports women candidates who favor abortion-rights.
- She has spent $12,600, mostly on printing brochures and on fundraising events
Money doesn’t always predict the winner but it helps, said Jeff Stonecash, also a SU political scientist. “You have to have it, but you can’t buy an election. That’s what it comes down to,” Stonecash said.
Joy downplays her disadvantage in dollars. Instead, she said, she counts on volunteers who are putting in time and energy to support her. “I think that’s a very good message,” said Joy. “We are watching our pennies, just like I would in the state.”
(Mojgan Sherkat is a graduate student in broadcast and digital journalism.)
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