DeMaio, Fletcher Near $1 Million Raised for Campaigns

Councilman Carl DeMaio announced Thursday that he raised nearly $1 million for his mayoral campaign through the end of last year, while Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, said he raked in almost three-quarters of a million dollars.

DeMaio and Fletcher were the first of the four major mayoral candidates to announce their fundraising totals. The deadline for reporting campaign donations through Dec. 31 to the city clerk's office is the end of this month.

DeMaio said he raised $976,000 overall, and about $431,000 from July 1 to the end of 2011. The rest of the money was given earlier, a large portion provided by the councilman himself, a successful businessman before he took office.

"I'm up against the labor unions and special interest insiders who will be filling the campaign coffers of my opponents," DeMaio said. "That's why I asked San Diegans to partner with me to fix the mess at City Hall—I am overwhelmed and humbled by their response."

Fletcher's figures are more than $735,000 overall and $416,000 from July 1 to Dec. 31.

"These fundraising numbers are proof San Diegans are ready to turn the page on the problems of the past and embrace a new generation of leadership," said Deputy Campaign Manager Amy Thoma. "We are gratified by the support from so many first-time and online donors, and the broad coalition of support we've built."

He had about 2,500 contributions, averaging $287 each, according to Thoma.

Fletcher has aggressively courted Sorrento Valley high-tech executives as part of his campaign theme of innovation.

He and DeMaio will face District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Rep. Bob Filner, D-San Diego -- among others -- in the June 5 primary. If no one claims 50 percent, the top two vote-getters will run in the November general election.

-City News Service