The City of Albuquerque municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 2. On the ballot will be the office for Mayor, the 5 odd numbered City Council Districts 1,3,5,7, and 9 seats and a voter bond approval request for $50 million dollars to build a soccer stadium.
As of October 11, along with the 3 candidates for Mayor , there were 13 Measured Finance Committees (MFCs) that filed their 7th Financial fundraising reports covering the reporting period of September 7 to October 4 reporting what they have raised, listing donors and expenditures. The 13 Measured Finance Committees are:
2021 Albuquerque Sierra Club, MFC
“Save Our City” organized to raise money and to promote Sherriff Manny Gonzales
“Retired Law Enforcement for a Better Albuquerque”
“Build Back ‘Burque” is raising money to promote and spend money on behalf of Mayor Tim Keller.
“Abq Firepac” promoting the local fire fighter union interests.
“Albuquerque Ahead” to promote Republican party City Council Candidates
“No Corporate Council” to promote progressive Democrat party City Council Candidates.
“ABQ Workers First” to promote organized labor interests and candidates.
“New Mexico United For All” to promote the $50 million soccer stadium bond issue.
MFC formed by the New Mexico American Civil Liberties Union.
MFC formed by “Planned Parenthood” of New Mexico.
MFC formed by a progressive neighborhood group called “Indivisible Nob Hill”.
MFC called “Healthy Economies Lead to Progress” with the stated purpose as “Independent Expenditure”.
This blog article reports on the funds raised and spent by the MFC’s, the 3 candidates for Mayor and an analysis of what can be expected over the remaining few weeks of the election.
SEVENTH CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS FILED
1. 2021 ALBUQUERQUE SIERRA CLUB MFC
Purpose: SUPPORT THE ELECTION OF MAYORAL AND CITY
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $-0-
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $5,200
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $5,200
Editor’s Analysis: Ray Shortridge is listed as the Treasurer and Richard D. Barish is listed as the Chairperson. It is well know that the Sierra Club the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States and is a highly progressive organization. There was only one donation in the amount of $5,200 from the Rio Grande Sierra Club with purpose of the donation to go to support Mayor Tim Keller and city Council candidates Tammy Fiebelkorn, Lan Sena, Rob Grilley, Jr and Cynthia Borrego. Its not clear from review on how the meager amount will be spent to help the 4 candidates for city council.
2. ABQ FIREPAC
PURPOSE: Support candidates who support public safety & fire fighter issues.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $800
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD $-0-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $800.00
MAJOR DONORS: ABQ Area PAC Local $1,000.00
MAJOR EXPENDITURE: $350 paid to “Just Yard Signs” (Reported in 6th report.)
Editor’s Analysis: This is the local firefighters MFC. In the past, the firefighter’s union has expended significant amounts of money supporting Mayor and City Council candidates and have been very involved with the campaigns providing volunteers and spending thousands on TV commercials produced on their own. The local firefighter’s union has significantly pared down their involvement in this year’s Mayor and City Council races to the point of only distributing yard signs in support of candidates.
3. ABQ WORKERS FIRST
PURPOSE:To advocate for or against candidates running for mayor and city council.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $30,000
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $27,525
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $57,525
MAJOR DONORS:
New Mexico Federation of Labor ( $30,000, as reported in 6th report)
Central New Mexico Labor Council ($5,000)
IBEW PAC (Electrician’s Union, $5,000)
Sheetmetal Workers (5,000)
New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council ($10,000)
Teamsters Local Union ($2,500)
Editor’s Analysis: It is clear from the various large donations organized labor in the city have decided to go it alone with raising and spending donations. All 6 of the listed labor union organizations are known to make donations to other measured finance committees or individual candidate campaigns. ABQ WORKERS FIRST fundraising will be used to support Mayor Tim Keller and to defeat Manny Gonzales and Eddy Aragon and to Albuquerque City Council candidates Dan Lewis, Renee Grout and Louie Sanchez. $57,525 can go along ways in buying media time to air commercials and as the Mayor’s race heats up, expect it to be spent on helping Mayor Tim Keller.
An interesting side note is that the $57,525 raised by ABQ Workers would likely have more of an impact on city council raises because of public finance. Dan Lewis, Renee Grout and Louie Sanchez have all qualified for public finance, as have their opponents, and have been given varying amounts in public financing based upon the population of their city council district. The $57,525 raised is considerably more than what individual city council candidates have been given. In District 1, both Louie Sanchez and incumbent Democrat Lan Sena have been given $41,027 in public finance. In District 5, both Republican Dan Lewis and Democrat incumbent Cynthia Borrgego have been given $50,489 in public finance. In District 9, Republican Renee Grout and Rob Grilly Jr. have been given $41,791 in public finance.
4. ALBUQUERQUE AHEAD (City Council MFC)
PURPOSE: To support those candidates for city council who will move Albuquerque ahead and oppose those who will not.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $14,223.47
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $10,520
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $17, 152
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $7,591
Editors Analysis: This is a measured finance committee established by the Bernalillo County Republican Party to promote 2 Republican candidates for City Council. The 5th finance report filed by Albuquerque Ahead reflects that on July 7, 2021, the Bernalillo County Republican Party donated $9,000 to this MFC. The two Republican candidates being supported are former Republican City Councilor Dan Lewis who is running in District 5 against incumbent Democrat Cynthia Borrego. Republican Renee Grout is running for the City Council District 9 seat being vacated by long time serving, unknown, ineffective and unaccomplished Republican Don Harris. The one major expenditure of $5,184.00 is to Majority Strategies, a Republican leaning political consulting firm.
Albuquerque Ahead raised $10,250 in the reporting period to support of Dan Lewis and Renee Grout, including $2,000 from Arizona-based GDC and from James Baird and Karen Espinosa, each donating $1,000.
Republican Dan Lewis has qualified for public finance and has been given $50,489 and Republican Renee Grout has qualified for public finance and been given $41,791 in public finance.
5. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, INC NEW MEXICO VOTES
PURPOSE: To educate New Mexico voters about the upcoming Albuquerque mayoral race and the various civil liberties issues at stake.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: -$0-
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $100,000
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -.01-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $99,999.99
Editors Analysis: Normally, you do not see the American Civil Liberties union get involved in local elections. During the past few years, the ACLU has initiated at least 3 lawsuits against the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office for excessive use of force and racial profiling regarding African Americans. According to the 7th Finance Report, the ACLU states it “OPPOSES MANUEL GONZALES III and it “OPPOSES EDDY ARAGON” .
Note that the ACLU has yet to spend money on the race but $100,000 spent over the remaining few weeks can buy a lot of air time to run negative ads on Gonzales and Aragon to support Keller. Given the fact that Gonzales is more of a threat to Keller, and his history with litigation, expect the $100,000 to go to run negative ads on Gonzales.
6. BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE
PURPOSE: Support Mayor Tim Keller’s re-election to a second term for the City of Albuquerque
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $51,770.44
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $60,847
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $23,591.33
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $89,026
Build Back ‘Burque raised $60,847 last month and has $89,026 available going forward.
Editors Analysis:
The Chairperson for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Michelle Mayorga. According to the American Association of Political Consultants “Michelle Mayorga has spent nearly 2 decades working on campaigns, progressive issues, and in local and national administrations. She previously served as Western Field Director at the AFL-CIO, Western Political Director at the DCCC, and Coordinated Director for the Democratic Party of New Mexico in 2012.” The Treasurer for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Robert Lara. Mr. Lara is a licensed New Mexico attorney and is the former State Treasurer of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.
Major donors listed to the Keller MFC “Build Back ‘Burque” in the 7th finance report include:
$5,000 DONORS
New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
LOBO Pac
Jim Long (Hotel Owner)
Ted Martinez
$3,000 DONORS
110 Sunport LLC
$2,500 DONORS
Albuquerque Teachers Federation
James Griffin
Imesh Vaidya
Tabas Bhakta
Amish Bhakta
Kal Bhakta ($2,000)
OTHER NOTEABLE DONATIONS
NEW MEXICO DEALER SUPPORT SERVICES, INC; $1,500
Former District Court Judge Ann Kass: $1,000
Timothy Aison-Hatch: $750
NM State Senator Bill O’Niel: $500
People for Mimi Stewart: $500
Joseph Spiegel: $500
Rhonda Gilland: $500
NM Representative Gail Chasey: $250
Major expenditures for “Build Back ‘Burque” was $20,000 to Colorado-based The Majority Institute on campaign consulting.
The largest notable donors to the Keller MFC “Build Back ‘Burque” in the last 6th finance report include Ace Metals and Kimberly Rael, the wife of current City Chief Operating Officer (COO) Lawrence Rael, who each gave $5,000. The PAC spent the most money this period.
Although $89,026 is available going forward and is a good amount of money the total amount raised is well below the donations that were expected to be made to help Mayor Tim Keller. Four years ago Keller was the only candidate to qualify for $340,000 in public fiancé and a measured fiancé committee then raised upwards of $660,000 to spend and promote Keller. Additionally, “Build Back ‘Burque” is headed up by 2 seasoned political fund raisers. The total amount raised is well below expectations of many political observers. The low amount raised by Build Back Burque to promote Tim Keller is a clear indication that he does not command same level of enthusiasm for people to donate to get him elected that he had 4 years ago. On the other hand, Sheriff Manny Gonzales himself having raised over $330,000 in a few weeks as well as the 2 measured finance committees supporting him raising a combined $100,000 have far exceeded expectations.
7. HEALTHY ECONOMIES LEAD TO PROGRESS
PURPOSE: Independent Expenditure
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: -$0-
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $49,639.22
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $49,639.22
The Chairperson is identified as SIMON (SCOOTER) T. HAYNES and the Treasurer is identified as JULIA L MACCINI. Both Simon T. “Scooter” Haynes and Julia Maccini are conservative Republicans who ran and lost in June, 2021 for the Board of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD). Haynes is a developer who owns a real estate and construction business based in Albuquerque. Julia L Maccini is believed to be an attorney and believed to be the Development Coordinator at SCM Partners, LLC a limited liability corporation.
According to the 7th campaign finance report, major donors and amounts to HEALTHY ECONOMIES LEAD TO PROGRESS are:
NEW MEXICO RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (Carol Wight): $20,000
COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS NM: $18,639.22
JOHNSON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, LLC: $4,000
ABRAZO HOMES, LLC: $2,500
JEAN F BERNSTEIN: $1,000
DAVE HILL INC: $1,000
BRUCE J STIDWORTHY: $1,000
WILLIAM T ROBERTSON: $1,000
Editor’s Analysis: According to the 7th Financial Report, the purpose of the donations made, depending on the donor, are to support City Council candidates in District 1 LOUIE SANCHEZ, running against incumbent Democrat City Councilor Lan Sena, District 5 candidate Republican DAN LEWIS running against Democrat incumbent City Councilor Cynthia Borrego, and District 9 Republican candidate RENEE GROUT running against Democrats Rob Grilley Jr and Byron Powdrell. LORI LEE ROBERTSON is reported as also being supported by the donations, but she is not identified as being a candidate on the city clerk’s web page.
As noted above, Republican Dan Lewis has qualified for public finance and has been given $50,489, Republican Renee Grout has qualified for public finance and been given $41,791 in public finance and Louie Sanchez has been given $41,027 in public finance.
8. INDIVISIBLE NOB HILL
PURPOSE: Support and or oppose city council, school board and mayoral candidates
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT -$0-
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $2,176.17
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $2,129.55
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $46.62
Major donors and amounts:
RAYELLEN SMITH: $755 ($505 and $250)
CORNELIA LANGE: $500
PAUL SZAUTER: $200.00
Major expenses listed:
LAMAR ADVERTISING SOUTHWEST INC: $2,000.00
Editor’s Analysis: The Indivisible Nob Hill is a very well organized and respected progressive organization that has emerged over the last few years as being very much involved with local community issues. It has a well-read FACEBOOK page “Indivisible Nob Hill – Rants and Discussion Forum” that recently has begun posting “Crooks for Manny” along with photographs of well know mobsters, such as Al Capone, John Gotti, mafia hitman Whitey Bulgar and Carlo Gambino to mention a few. The phrase “I’m a crook, and I’m for Manny!” is next to the gangster photos along with a photo of Sherriff Manny Gonzales. Nasty but effective.
9. NEW MEXICO UNITED FOR ALL
PURPOSE: Support bond issue
Designated Chairperson: David M Carl
Designated Treasurer: Desiree Kim
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $35,000
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $525,000
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $422,664
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $137,335
MAJOR DONOR: New Mexico United total donation of $525,000
MAJOR IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS: New Mexico United Total In Kind donation of $17,600
Editor’s Analysis:
This measured finance committee changed its name to “New Mexico United for All”. This measured finance committee has been formed to raise donations to promote the $50 Million bond issue for a multipurpose sports stadium with the New Mexico United Professional Soccer team to be the primary tenant of the city owned facility.
Note the measured finance committee MFC is funded exclusively by New Mexico United, the professional soccer team that will become the proposed stadium’s anchor tenant. During the last month, United donated $525,000 and has spent $422,665.
According to the 7th finance report, the MFC spent $336,813 on television production and media buys with Pennsylvania-based Win Company and spent $33,780 on direct mail and $28,900 on polling.
It has been reported that according to terms of a “letter of intent to lease”, New Mexico United would contribute $10 million to help construct the proposed multiuse soccer stadium and pay $800,000 annually in base rent to be the venue’s primary tenant. The team would also have to pay the city another $100,000 per year but otherwise get to keep all revenue generated by the stadium outside of specific city-organized events. Voter approval is not technically required for this type of bond and is backed by the city’s gross receipts tax revenue. However, Mayor Tim Keller, a big promoter of the stadium, has said he would not pursue the stadium if the bond fails.
https://www.abqjournal.com/2432115/united-outlines-planned-stadium-investment.html
10. NO CORPORATE COUNCIL MFC
PURPOSE: To support progressive candidates for mayor and city council.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT -$0-
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: – $0-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
There have been no major donors nor expenditures reported and this measured finance committee at this point is a no starter and will likely not play any role in the election.
Editor’s Analysis: The name of this MFC tips the public off to the intent and purpose of this MFC in that it is a takeoff of the popular slogan “No Corporate Democrats”, a slogan used by progressive democrats to defeat conservative Democrats in primaries. The chair person of No Corporate Council MFC is listed as Melanie Aranda and the Treasurer is listed as Michaela Gallegos who has a “Working Families Party” email address and is believed to work for New Mexico Political Reports. Melanie Aranda is the Chief Operating Officer and Founding Member of the Center for Civic Policy (CCP), a progressive political strategy group, and the Co-Director of the NM Civic Engagement Table. Michaela Gallegos is believed to work for New Mexico Political Reports. The “No Corporate Council” MFC was likely formed to offset the fund-raising activities and efforts of Albuquerque Ahead, the City Council MFC organized and raising donations for Republican City Council candidates Dan Lewis and Renee Grout.
https://civicpolicy.com/staff/
11. PLANNED PARENTHOOD VOTES ALBUQUERQUE
Purpose: Support candidates that support women’s reproductive healthcare and oppose those that don’t.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT -$0-
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: – $0-
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
There have been no major donors nor expenditures reported and this measured finance committee at this point is a no starter and will likely not play any role in the election.
Editors Analysis: In 2013, Planned Parenthood became actively involved in the municipal election to oppose the “late term abortion” initiative that was successfully place on the ballot by a voter petition initiative. Then Incumbent Mayor Richard Berry supported the initiative and the banning of all late term abortions in the city. Sensing that the issue could derail his re election efforts, the Republican controlled city council declined to place it on the municipal election ballot with the mayor’s race and instead funded a “special election” so as not to interfere with the 2013 mayor’s race. Planned Parenthood is a considered by many as a one issue organization dedicated to preserving a woman’s right to choose. It is more likely than not Planned Parenthood have registered a MFC for over concern that a new Mayor or the City Council will again attempt to ban late term abortions in the city.
12. RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR A BETTER ALBUQUERQUE
PURPOSE: Support Albuquerque mayoral candidate who will improve the quality of life for its citizens as well as oppose candidates that are detrimental to the future growth and safety of Albuquerque.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $11,120.00
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $12,000
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD $10,000
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $13,120
TOTAL IN KIND CONTRIBTIONS: $3,248
MAJOR DONORS:
MIKE SISNEROS: $10,000
APRYL SAVAINSTON: $2,000
IN KIND DONATIONS:
In kind Contribution from Patrick J. Rogers, LLC in the amount of $2,248 for legal services rendered. The 6th finance report reported one in kind contribution from Patrick J. Rogers in the amount of $2,678.00 for legal services rendered.
MAJOR EXPENDITURE: One major expenditure in the amount of $10,000 was reported as a contribution to “SAVE OUR CITY”, the measured finance committed promoting Sheriff Manny Gonzales.
Editor’s Analysis: The chairperson of the “Retired Law Enforcement for a Better Albuquerque is Jason Katz and the Treasurer is listed as Sistine Jaramillo. Upon information and belief, Jason Katz is a former and retired Chief Deputy of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and is a longtime supporter and has worked for Gonzales. No background information could be located on Sistine Jaramillo. Pat Rogers is a private attorney and is considered by many as a conservative Republican Party-political operative who works on promoting and assisting conservative causes. Mr. Rodgers is a former National Committeeman of the Republican Party and 4 years ago filed ethics complaints against the candidate for Mayor Tim Keller.
13. SAVE OUR CITY
PURPOSE: To address the serious crime and leadership problem in Albuquerque
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $92,002.69
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $45,955
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $81,128.91
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $56,828.78
TOTAL IN KIND DONATIONS: -$0-
In the 7th finance report, Save Our City raised $45,955 and has $56,829 still on hand.
MAJOR DONORS
DASKALOS INVESTMENTS: $10,000
CLIFFORD BARBIERI: $5,000
LORI HENZ: $5,000
DAVID AND CHARLOTTE CAUWEL: $5,000
PAUL AND LYN CAUWELS: $5,000
ADMIRAL BEVERAGE CORPORATION: $4,000
JARED VANDER DUSSEN: $1,000
GREG BROWN: $1,000
Major expenditures for save our city during the reporting period were:
SUNNY DAY STRATEGIES for DIGITAL ADs: $27,093.00
PATRIOT CONTACT, DIRECT MAIL SERVICES: $20,641.16
JAMES HALLINAN CAMPAIGN MANAGER: $20,226.56
MARK FLEISHER: $3,775.63 (Mr. Fleisher is a well known and respected political consultant and was the campaign manager for former Mayor Martin Chavez.)
BRANDON MACEACHEN: $4,000.00 (Two $2,000 payments)
FULL COMPLIANCE And CONSULTING, LLC: $3,294.90
JOE MONAHAN INTERNET BLOG, Monahan Marketing: $755.13
Editor’s Analysis: The Chairperson of this MFC is Sam Vigil, the widower of Jackie Vigil who was shot and killed in her driveway in the early morning hours as she was going to the gym. Sam Vigil has been highly critical of Mayor Keller and known to support Manny Gonzales for Mayor.
In the 6th Campaign finance report, it was reported “Save Our City” received its largest contributions from Don Bassard, Robyn Hendrexson and Richard Luna, each donating $2,000. The “Save Our City” spent $17,850 on media production and ad buys through Three Point Media.
Its largest expenditures were for $27,093 for digital advertisements through Washington, D.C.-based Sunny Day Strategies and $20,641.16 PATRIOT CONTACT, DIRECT MAIL SERVICES.
Paying Joe Monahan $755.13 to advertise on his political blog New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan likely reached only political junkies interested in gossip with little or no impact on the average voters but it likely kept Manny Gonzales on Monahan’s good side as he reports on election gossup.
The city clerk link to the listing of all 13 measured finance committees and the finance reports is here:
https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates
MAYOR CANDIDATES’ FINANCIAL REPORTS
Both Mayor Tim Keller and Sheriff Manny Gonzales have filed their 7th Campaign finance reports.
TIM KELLER 7TH CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT
Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller is the only candidate for Mayor that qualified for Public Finance and given $634,179.05 by the city. On August 9, the Keller Campaign filed the 6th Campaign Finance report:
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $524,709.62
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: -$0-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $210,834.90
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $313,874.71
TOTAL IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS: $16,940.87
Upon qualifying for Public Finance, the City of Albuquerque advance a single lump sum of $634,179.05 for the campaign.
Editor’s Analysis:
The Keller campaign spent $210,835 between September 7 and October 4 on media services and advertising buys and the Keller campaign has a balance of $313,875.
According to the 7th Keller campaign finance report, the Keller campaign received $5,000 in “in-kind” office rental contributions for Ed Garcia of the Garcia Auto dealership organization. Ed Garcia is also a co owner of the NM United soccer team that is backing the $50 million bond to build a downtown soccer stadium supported by Mayor Tim Keller.
In kind donations also included $1,000 from the Bruce Thompson Law firm for private investigator fees and $8,115 from the Keefe Law Firm for legal services.
Major expenditures listed by the Keller campaign include:
PUTNAM PARTNERS, LLC of Arlington Virginia for “film shoot”: $35,955.00
PUTNAM PARTNERS, LLC of Arlington Virginia for “media”: $25,250.00
BUYING TIME, LLC, WASHINGTON, DC for media buys: $56,904.00
BUYING TIME, LLC, WASHINGTON, DC for media buys: $56,904.00 (Second Payment)
NERI HOLGUIN CAMPAIGN CONSULTING AND COMMUNICATION: $32,362.50
The Keller campaign reported in the 7th finance report as paying Keller campaign manager Neri Holguin’s consulting firm $32,000. In the 6th campaign finance report it was reported $59,331 was paid to the Keller campaign manager Neri Holguin’s consulting firm. The 5th campaign finance report revealed that Neri Holguin Campaign Consulting was paid $23,732.50.
In the 6th campaign finance report, the Keller campaign reported $35,470 worth of in-kind services, including $2,500 in private investigator services, $17,970 from lawyer Lauren Keefe and $15,000 worth of rent from Ed Garcia who is a principal in the Garcia Automotive Group and also a principal in the company that purchased the historical Rosenwald Building in downtown Albuquerque for $300,000 in the form a of “lease back” arrangement to the city for a police substation in the Rosenwald Building once it is remodeled into luxury condominiums.
MANNY GONZALES 7th CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT
On September 14, a District Court Judge upheld the City Clerk’s decision to deny Gonzales $634,000 in public finance for violating campaign finance rules during the qualifying process finding impropriety in the collection of his qualifying $5 donations. Gonzales was forced to become a privately finance candidate. In his first 3 weeks as a privately funded mayoral candidate, Sheriff Manny Gonzales raised over $330,000. The Gonzales campaign is reporting more money on hand than incumbent Mayor Tim Keller.
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $20,829.63
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $338,201.25
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $26,260.89
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $332,769.00
Total In Kind Contributions: $11,286.76
Editor’s Analysis:
Gonzales has $332,770 in cash available for the final month of the campaign, while Mayor Tim Keller has less at $313,874.71
According to the 7th Campaign Finance report there were 20 donations to Gonzales’ campaign between $6,000 and the $6,250 limit for individual contributors. Those contributions are the following:
DAVID. C CHAVEZ, Los Lunas attorney
F & R TAFOYA PAINTING
RODGERS PLUMBING & HEATIG CO INC
RAYMOND & ROBERTA ZAMORA
DOUBLE AA PROPERTIES LLC
DENISE MONTOYA-MORA
RUDY MORA
JAMES TAFOYA
ARGUS PRIVATE SECURITY FORCE
NICK DIMAS
FUTURE ENDEAVORS SIX
LAPIERRE INSURANCE AGENCY INC
TRAN PHAM
ADMIRAL BEVERAGE CORPORATIONRU DAWG LLC
JASON NASH
ALEJANDRO LARA
CORTAZAR LABORATORIES LLC
PAYAM GHOREISHI
LEE BLAUGRUND ($6,000)
RICHARD LUNA($6,000)
OTHER NOTE WORTHY DONATIONS TO THE GONZALES CAMPAIGN INCLUDE:
SABRINA CHASTAIN, $4,000
JAMES HIGDON, $2,500
M & M BODY LLC (David Gonzales), $2,000
PATRICK MELLOY, $2,000
2G CONSTRUCTION LLC, $2,000
NATHAN KORN, $2,000
PRISCILLA GONZALES, $1,800
K-RAM INC (Gilbert Lovato), $1,500
FRANK BESERRA, $1,000
DARIN WADE, $1,000
SCOTT HAUQUITZ, $1,000
5401 VENICE NE LLC, $1,000
XTREME MOBILE SHRINK WRAP LLC, $1,000
MAJOR IN-KIND DONATIONS INCLUDE
DOUGLAS H. PETERSON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: $5,475.00
SHOPS AT TAYLOR RANCH: $2,500.00
MAJOR EXENDITURES
SHANNAN CALLAND, of MONTEBELLO, CA, for Media/Public Relation: $6,666.66
SHANNAN CALLAND, Media/Public Relation: $6,666.66 (second payment.)
JAY MCCLESKEY, Media strategies: $6,797.11
In the 6th Campaign finance report, the Gonzales campaign reported that its largest expense then was $12,277 paid to Republican political operative and political media strategist Jay McClesky.
EDDY ARAGON’S 7th CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT
CASH BALANCE FROM LAST REPORT: $13,360
TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $63,814
TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $51,718
CLOSING BALANCE THIS REPORTING PERIOD: $25,455
According to all reports filed, Aragon reports raising a total of $96,000 since his campaign started in mid-Aug.
MAJOR DONORS AND AMOUNTS
Edward J. Aragon (candidate’s father): $6,250
Ann Cherry: $6,000
Randall J. Schimille: $6,000 (donating $2,000 3 times)
Roxane Baltz, individualy, (AZGARD LLC, Info Technology): $5,000
AZGARD LLC: $5,000
Chris Youngblood: $2,500
Sid Johnson: $1,500
James Gianelli: $1,030
Mark Caruso: $1,000
Gerald Hubbart: $1,000
Louie Sanchez: $1,000 (NOT DISTRICT 1 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE)
Tego Venturi: $1,000
Patricia Harmon: $505
Dean Ford: $500
Christopher Conlon: $500
Jeffry Posa: $500
Peggy C. Bonometti: $500
MAJOR EXPENSES REPORTED
Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising: $26,194.28
ALEXANDER MEDIA: $6,471 (3 payments of $2,157)
FISHBONE MARKETING INC, Florida, Political Consulting: $2,628.13
MINUTEMAN PRESS, for printing: $3,748.65
DON HEWATT for security services: $3,000.00
MICHAEL EUSTICE, campaign consultant: $1,000
REBECCA ALLEN, campaign consultant: $1,000
ABQ APPAREL GRAPHICS: $6,900.00
NIKKI WILBUR, public relations, $2,000
JOE MONAHAN POLITICAL BLOG: $1,107.95 Paying Monahan to advertise on his political blog New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan likely reached only political junkies interested in gossip with little or no impact on the average voters but it likely keep Aragon on Monahan’s good side as he reports on election gossip.
Aragon has spent 14,000 for T-shirts, hats and other campaign paraphernalia.
Links to quoted source material are here:
https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
On October 5, the on-line news agency “The Paper” published a report on an opinion poll it commissioned with Public Policy Polling (PPP) . The poll was then reported upon by KOAT-TV. The public opinion poll was of 793 likely voters with a margin of error 3.5%, plus or minus. The results of the PPP poll as reported by the Paper and KOAT TV are as follows:
Tim Keller: 47%,
Manny Gonzales: 21%,
Eddy Aragon: 11%
NOT SURE: 21%,”
It is now a major sprint for Keller, Gonzales and Aragon to the November 2 finish line. If no candidate secures 50% plus one of the vote, a run off will be held between the two top vote getters. We can all brace ourselves for an onslaught of negative advertising against Gonzales and Aragon by the Keller campaign in order to secure the lion’s share of the un decided voters in order to avoid a run off. Likewise, Gonzales and Aragon’s biggest challenge is to keep Keller below the 50% vote and force a run off.
Links to the most recent blog articles on the candidates are here: