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Greuel has edge in mayoral candidates' early fundraising efforts
Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel
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City of Los Angeles: Office of the Controller
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Greuel has edge in mayoral candidates' early fundraising efforts
Greuel has edge in mayoral candidates' early fundraising efforts
Candidates who seek to succeed Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have filed their first campaign finance reports.
L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel has raised the most – more than $500,000 as of June 30. L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry is not far behind at $450,000. Former deputy mayor and businessman Austin Beutner has raised about $400,000, and has already spent nearly half.
Beutner said he’s not a “career politician” – so he’s had to spend money “building a base.” The investment banker said he hasn’t decided how much of his own money he’ll pony up in a mayoral primary where each candidate may need to spend up to two-million dollars for a chance at making it into an expected runoff.
The primary is still nearly two years away, but early fundraising is important to establish credibility as a candidate. L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti, L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and businessman Rick Caruso, who developed The Grove and the Americana at Brand, also are considering campaigns for mayor.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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