Greuel Leads in Mayoral Fundraising

City Controller Wendy Greuel and Councilman Eric Garcetti took an early fundraising lead over a pack of 10 other candidates running for mayor in 2013, raising more than $1 million each through 2011, according to campaign fundraising totals released by the campaigns today.

Councilwoman Jan Perry was close behind, raising $827,328 to campaign for the election, which is still more than one year away.

Investment banker Austin Beutner, another top contender, plans to file his campaign funding reports tomorrow on the official deadline.

Conservative talk radio host Kevin James trailed the frontrunners, raising $154,253 through Dec. 31.

Garcetti, who entered the race several months after the other well-known candidates, raised money at the fastest pace. He brought in $1.06 million between Sept. 8 and the end of last year.

"The diversity and dynamism of our supporters reflects our great city," Garcetti said in a statement released by the campaign.

Greuel, who lives in Studio City and used to represent Council District 2 as a city councilmember, launched her campaign last spring. She raised $1.11 million through the end of the year.

In a statement, Greuel's campaign touted a large percentage of small donations. Forty-three percent of the nearly 2,000 donors gave $250 or less, according to the campaign.

"While money isn't everything in a campaign, it sure is an indicator of support, momentum and energy behind a candidate," Greuel strategist John Shallman said.

Perry consultant Eric Hacopian called Perry the only true reformer in the race.

"Jan has always fought for what she believes in, calls it as she sees it, and is tough enough to take on the old boys' network at City Hall," Hacopian said.

Two other potential candidates, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and real estate developer Rick Caruso, have not ruled out entering the race.

Other candidates that have filed paperwork to raise money for a campaign, but have yet to file fundraising reports, include actor Theodore Crissell, filmmaker Malcolm Mays, Northridge East Neighborhood Councilman YJ Draiman, Jose F. Di Raimondo, Addie Miller, David Saltsburg and Rick S. Young.