Dems Kirkpatrick & Heinz Lead in CD2 Congress Fundraising

In the race for Congress in Tucson’s Congressional District 2, once again the top Democratic fundraisers were Ann Kirkpatrick and Matt Heinz, with Republican opponent Lea Marquez-Peterson catching up fast. The three also have the most cash on hand (see table farther below).

The Democrats will speak at a CD2 Candidate Forum Thursday starting at 6:30 pm at Tucson High Magnet School, 400 N 2nd Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705.

Total campaign contributions

Ann Kirkpatrick (D) $ 1,755,795.57
Matt Heinz (D) $853,588.68
Lea Marquez Peterson (R) $707,289.85
Mary Sally Matiella (D) $256,723.88
Billy Kovacs (D) $71,922.37
Yahya Yuksel (D) $43,110.78
Brandon Ray Martin (R) $24,225.69
Bruce Wheeler (D) $21,344.76
Casey Welch (R) $14,196.70
Barbara Sherry (D) $6,815.77
Danny Morales (R) $6,364.60

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Money matters
Of course money doesn’t equal votes in the August 28 primary. For example, Heinz has contributed $375,338 to his own campaign. Kirkpatrick got $322,516 from PACs, way more than any other candidate.
However, money brings the ability to get name recognition. Donations pay for TV ads, websites, postcard mailings, yard signs, bumper stickers, hand cards, travel, T-shirts, print advertising, and water and food for canvassers — all the elements of a successful political campaign. A simple postcard mailing can cost $10,000 in printing and distribution.

Financial donations also demonstrate commitment. It’s easy for a person to say they support a candidate, but it’s much more valuable to send a check to a candidate.

Cash on hand
Several of the campaigns are essentially broke: Brandon Ray Martin (R), Casey Welch (R), Barbara Sherry (D) and Danny Morales (R). Billy Kovacs (D) has only $12,738.79 to spend and Bruce Wheeler (D) has $10,376.99 on hand.
Ann Kirkpatrick (D) $ 836,927.67
Matt Heinz (D) $ 493,797.08
Lea Marquez Peterson (R) $ 509,067.94
Mary Sally Matiella (D) $ 66,978.60
Billy Kovacs (D) $ 12,738.79
Yahya Yuksel (D) $ 12,703.11
Bruce Wheeler (D) $ 10,376.99
Brandon Ray Martin (R) $ 1,524.39
Danny Morales (R) $ 318.56
Casey Welch (R) $ 200.00
Barbara Sherry (D) $ 54.89

The primary election is on August 28, 2018.