McCarthy Leads Fundraising

Robert McCarthy of Watertown leads the money race, in the state senate special election to succeed Steve Tolman. (My recent article about that race is here.) According to pre-primary campaign-finance reports filed today, McCarthy raised $78,750 through November 25, which was the end of thereporting period. He has reported another $2500 in large donations since then, under state "late contribution" reporting requirements.

McCarthy had spent about half of his funds as of November 25 -- mostly on printing and mailing costs -- leaving him with $38,724 on hand, heading to the December 13 primary that will decide the race.

State representative William Brownsberger of Belmont is not far behind, however. He raised $69,965 since June, most of it since he began campaigning for the senate seat. He had close to $20,000 already in the bank. He has spent $57,717, leaving him with $31,882 at the end of the pre-primary period. He has reported $2000 in late contributions.

State representative Jon Hecht of Watertown (not Belmont, as erroneously listed in my article) raised $52,330, and started the period with $21,890. He has spent $43,773, leaving $30,447 on hand, and has reported $1500 in late contributions.

Tim Schofield of Brighton raised $48,295 and spent $35,062, leaving just $13,517 on hand. He has reported $3500 in late contributions. Schofield's low cash on hand figure for the final two weeks has to be worrisome; without some late fundraising, he won't be able to match the mailings the other candidates will be sending out.

McCarthy also got a boost to start the week, when he received the endorsement of former Congressman Joe Kennedy, who lives in Brighton. Schofield answered with Mayor Tom Menino's endorsement, announced today.