Senate District 18 Open: Newman reports $302.23 COH, $4,850.00 in loans; Kimball $10,567.05 COH

Could the Senate District 18 open seat be the sleeper race in 2010 Minnesota politics?

I knew that Hal Kimball was incredibly busy knocking on doors--over 7000 so far in the Senate district where we live to the west of the Twin Cities, but I didn't realize that he just raised more in contributions than his Republican opponent and spent more wisely.

The pre-primary reports on file show that Scott Newman, former state legislator and failed judicial candidate, took in $10,514.71, loaned himself $5000, spent $15,052.48 and closed the reporting period with $302.23 in the bank and $4850.00 in debts.

Some of the contribution were from PACs, including a surprising contribution of $250 from North Central States Carpenters PAC. I doubt that will stop the Republicans from whining about special interests though.

What's amazing is that Newman spent $9,390.38 on things that are classically said "don't vote":  "Lawn signs/stands/lapel stickers/bumper stickers" and an additional $649.63 in   cards, labels, balloons and shirts from a different vender.

There's little in the report that indicates an targeted voter contact.

Kimball, on the other hand, started the year with $3055.62 in the bank, raised $12,369.19, spent $4857.76, and closed with $10,567.05. His campaign has received money from local party units and a dissolving campaign, abut only $500 from a union, the Pipefitters.

The money seems to have been spent on lit pieces an other nut-and-bolts of voter contact.

This could get interesting; even a red district can't be taken for granted this year. Moreover, I hope Mr. Newman doesn't get too creative if he goes into rants about deficit spending. If that's a criteria for voting, the Kimball campaign is cleaning his clock. Perhaps people will see that it's time to elect a Democrat in SD18.

Comments

[Chris Truscott]

Love it!