Hopefuls list funds by donors

From The Republican
Sunday, November 04, 2007
By KEN ROSSkross@repub.com

HOLYOKE - At Large City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain jumped to the top of the campaign fundraising list, thanks in part to two $500 donations from Republican Presidential candidate W. Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann.

Such information was listed in the final campaign finance reports submitted by candidates before Tuesday's election, when polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The final campaign finance reports were due on Monday. Prior to then, candidates were required to submit campaign finance reports on Sept. 17.

Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who is running unopposed in Tuesday's municipal election, still has the most money: $7,914 even after spending $1,671 between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

In his Sept. 17 report, Jourdain had a mere $396 in his campaign coffers, placing him low on the list of money raised by candidates. But Jourdain now has $6,614. And that doesn't even include the $953 he spent between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

In the Sept. 17 campaign finance reports, fellow At Large City Councilor Patricia C. Devine was the second most successful fund-raiser after Sullivan. Devine raised $7,439. She also spent $4,537 before Sept. 17. Since then, Devine has eased off on her fund-raising efforts. She now has $1,123 left over after spending $2,283 between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

After Jourdain, At Large City Councilor James M. Leahy has the third most money left over: $5,363. He spent $210 between Sept. 17 and Oct. 29.

At number four is At Large City Councilor Elaine A. Pluta with $4,576 left over after spending $1,020 during the latest six-week campaign period.

Fifth is At Large School Committee candidate Howard B. Greaney Jr., who has $3,560 after spending $1,345. His opponent, incumbent Michael J. Moriarty, has $1,749 putting him in seventh position. This comes after Moriarty spent the most of any candidate, $3,820.

Sixth on the list is Ward 4 City Council candidate Timothy W. Purington, who still has $3,261 and spent $2,148. His opponent, incumbent John P. Lecca, did not file a campaign finance report this week. For the previous reports due Sept. 17, Lecca had $487 remaining.

As for other contested ward races, Ward 1 City Councilor Donald R. Welch has $1,009 and spent $416. His rival, Jeanne Forget, did not raise or spend any money.
In the Ward 3 City Council race, Anthony Martin Keane still has $1,060 compared to Richard P. Purcell, who has $473 left over. Purcell spent $954 during the latest six-week campaign period. Keane spent $1,551.

In the Ward 5 City Council race, challenger Linda A. Vacon has $1,094 left over compared to $168 for incumbent John P. Brunelle. Vacon didn't spend any money. Brunelle spent $100.

In the Ward 6 School Committee race, incumbent William R. Collamore didn't raise money and challenger Daniel C. Burns doesn't have any money left after spending $391.

In the Ward 7 School Committee race, incumbent Margaret M. Boulais still has $525 compared to $1,024 for challenger Nicole S. Muller. Muller spent $59. Boulais spent $894.

As for the remaining eight At Large City Council candidates, next on the list is:
Candidate Rebecca Lisi, who still had $2,906 and spent $251 during the latest campaign period.
Council President Joseph M. McGiverin, who has $1,644 and spent $2,319.
Councilor Peter R. Tallman, who has $1,333 and spent $232.
Councilor John E. Whelihan, who still has $161 and spent $899.
Candidate William J. Bevan, who has $37 and spent $2,612.
Candidate Bruce F. Mitchell, who has $5 and spent $981.
Candidate John D. Pierce Jr. did not file a report.