Dallas Democrats Dominate Countywide Fundraising with Election Fast Approaching

July 18, 2008

DALLAS - Democratic candidates running for countywide offices in Dallas filed legally required finance reports on July 15. The reports, which are publicly available from the Texas Ethics Commission and the Dallas County Elections Department, show a strong Democratic fundraising advantage as the 2008 general election begins.

The eight countywide Democratic candidates - judicial candidates Eric Moye, Ken Molberg, Judge Lorraine Raggio, Judge Don Adams, Gracie Lewis and Judge John Creuzot, Sheriff Lupe Valdez and tax assessor/collector candidate John Ames - raised roughly $417,000 in this reporting period, well ahead of the $135,000 reported by their Republican opponents. Molberg currently leads all countywide candidates in cash on hand.

"Dallas County residents have seen the accomplishments of our Democratic sheriff, treasurer, clerks and new Democratic judges, and donors are responding positively. These results show confidence in our great slate of candidates and our successful officeholders," said Democratic Party Chair Darlene Ewing.

As the traditional Labor Day start of the general election season approaches, Democratic countywide candidates enjoy an almost 5 to 1 financial advantage over the Republican slate. Democratic candidates reported a cumulative $399,000 in cash on hand, while the seven available Republican reports only listed $84,000 in available funds.

Adding to the strong Democratic showing is the cash on hand advantage held by the local party over its Republican counterpart. Based on available state and Federal filings, the Dallas County Democratic Party has $145,000 in cash on hand, compared to the $77,000 in reserves held by the Dallas County Republican Party. Together with candidate holdings, the Democratic slate held a $544,000 to $161,000 advantage as of July 1, 2008.

Party holdings are important, as the Dallas County Democratic Party will again be running a carefully-planned coordinated campaign, similar to the effort that led to 2006's dramatic Democratic sweep.

While Republican numbers will be higher when Tax-Assessor Collector David Childs's form, now two days overdue, arrives at the County Elections Department, it is clear that the Democratic Party will begin the 2008 general election season with a substantial financial advantage.

"In 2006, our coordinated effort was outspent by the Republican incumbents, but we were still able to achieve victory. We are confident that our present finances, which represent the wide and deep support our candidates are receiving from the electorate, will enable us to turn out Democratic votes in record numbers this November," said Ewing.

Sheriff Valdez Leads Opponent

Sheriff Valdez led all other candidates from both parties in fundraising during this reporting period, her campaign announced on Wednesday, July 16. With close to $135,000 in donations received since the primary, the total reported by the Valdez campaign is over two-thirds more than the amount reported by her Republican opponent. Sheriff Valdez also enjoyed a $15,000 cash on hand advantage as of July 1.

"The Sheriff continues to raise money faster than she ever has before, and this report shows the strong support that exists for the Sheriff amongst the donor community. They recognize the progress she has made as Sheriff, and her ability to win in November," said campaign manager Kirk McPike.

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