CityHallNews.com

The dollar signs behind the four candidates running in the Democratic primary for the 74th Assembly District present a different picture than that offered by their generally similar positions on housing, education and reform in Albany.

The July filings with the New York State Board of Elections showed that Sylvia Friedman, who won a February special election for the seat held by Steve Sanders until he resigned Jan. 1, had raised $46,095. Brian Kavanagh, a former City Council chief of staff and second place finisher in the 2005 Council race won by Rosie Mendez, had $120,968. Two other Democratic candidates, Juan Pagan and Esther Yang—both of whom are running similar campaigns that focus on their volunteer work and lack of true political experience—did not have their filings on record.

Republican candidate Frank Scala, who also ran against Friedman in the February special election, said his campaign will not begin in earnest until after the Sept. 12 primary. He filed with $9,115.

Assembly Member Jonathan Bing (D-Manhattan), who represents the East Side Assembly district just to the north and faces no primary but a general election challenger in his race for a third term, offered some analysis of the July numbers and what role money plays in a successful Assembly run.

In his initial run in 2002, Bing also had six-figure July numbers, but insisted that his interaction with individual voters was the most important factor in his victory.

“When it comes down to a local race, people are going to vote for someone they have met in person,” he said.

Still, Bing described an important role that money ultimately plays in successful campaigns, and stressed the importance of considering the sources of contributions.

“A candidate with more money appears to be stronger and in a better place to win,” he said. “Receiving a contribution from a group does not necessarily make you beholden to them, but that can only be shown through actions,” he added.

“Where as money from many individuals can indicate a candidate’s broad spectrum of support and the ability to reach out to a larger constituency.”

Bing has not endorsed a candidate in the race.

Friedman said she would like voters to focus more on her community activism than on the financial contributions made to her campaign.

“I’m out on the street everyday and I meet people who tell me that they remember me, they voted for me, and they approve of what I am doing,” she said. “I’m really touched by that recognition. It’s what inspires me to do my job.”

Kavanagh, however, insisted that his connection to the district was just as strong.

Friedman’s campaign focuses on her 40-year record of dedication to local causes, and she said the dollars she raised from her 30 contributors, almost a third of which are local organizations and clubs, would not define her.

“My campaign is not as focused on money as others in this race. When you are so well known in the community, you don’t need as much,” she said, adding that the money she has raised is as important as the money she has not and pointed out a pair of returned contributions to Con Edison and The New York Real Estate Board.

Knocking on doors since March, Kavanagh said financial support is a key component to his campaign, which boasts more than 200 contributors.

“Having a lot of people donating speaks to our ability to inspire others that we are building a worthwhile cause,” he said. “People can judge the money for what it is. But my grassroots campaign is appealing to a broader range of people who seek to shake things up in Albany.”

With two more filings scheduled before the primary vote, Bing pointed out that each one holds its own significance.

“July shows what early support you have which can lead to greater support down the road,” he said. “But the cash on hand numbers from the August and September filings will show what a candidate has to spend in those final weeks.”

Both Friedman and Kavanagh said they had plans for more fundraisers next month, counting on important union support. Friedman was last week endorsed by 1199-SEIU, often considered the most politically-potent union in New York.