Matt Freeman's delegate letter

Here's Matt Freeman's letter to delegates set to decide on a DFL endorsement on March 23rd:

Freeman Delegate Letter

In money race, Pinto leads with Freeman close behind

Dave Pinto leads the money race

Legislative candidates for 2013 had to file their paperwork, and it was made public by the state's Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

The reporting period only covers 2013, so it isn't the whole picture. But it tells a lot. Dave Pinto lead the pack with nearly $20k, and a ton of cash on hand. Matt Freeman was just a handful of big contributors behind him, and Beth Fraser in third. 

The numbers dropped off pretty substantially after that. Melanie McMahon, in fourth, had less than half of Pinto's war chest. Gloria Zaiger's fortunes were boosted in no small part by a $500 personal loan.

Here's the chart:

Not much too surprising here, although Greta Bergstrom ran when this seat was open last, and has the longest standing ties to the district. As communications director for TakeAction Minnesota, she's also got a ready network of contacts in hand. It's a little surprising to see her in 5th place in the money race.

Fraser

Also, despite a comparatively short stint in the district, and without the kind of family and local political ties that Pinto and Freeman have, Fraser was pretty clearly punching above her weight in fundraising last year. And remember, she didn't officially get into the race until more than three weeks after incumbent Michael Paymar announced he wasn't running again, and his would-be successors first took the field. (UPDATE: Her third place, it should be noted, does include a $5,000 self-financed contribution, which isn't listed as a loan in her finance report.)

But again, this is 2013 money, and a lot can change in a race this short. The precinct caucuses are Tuesday.

Here's the details of their finances. Click on the link to see their CFPDB report:

Dave Pinto
Matt Freeman
Beth Fraser
Melanie McMahon
Greta Bergstrom
Gloria Zaiger
Matthew Bergeron

(Note also that Matthew Bergeron has dropped out, but still had to disclose his fundraising.)

Governor may headline DFL fundraiser

Here's the fundraising announcement sent out by the Senate District 64 for tomorrow night at Mancini's. A visit by Gov. Mark Dayton looks like a "hope," but since he's on the campaign trail himself, it might not be in vain.

Dear Friends,

We hope can join us at Mancini's tomorrow to catchup with our Legislators, Senator Cohen, Rep. Murphy, and Rep. Paymar and to meet candidates for the SD64 B Seat as well as Secretary of State we're hosting a Fundraiser/64 Meet and greet at Mancini's on January 15. We're very excited about a very special guest who may be joining us. Governor Dayton hopes to stop by between events to visit his friends in SD64

We hope you can join us!

Here are the details:

Attendees: Sen. Richard Cohen, Rep. Erin Murphy and Rep. Michael Paymar (and we hope Governor Dayton!) All of the 64B candidates have also committed to attending.

Location - Mancini's 531 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102

Date & Time - January 15, 6 - 8

Suggested Donation $25 - $50 - $100 - $250.

The first $50 you donate is refundable to you under the state's political contribution refund program.

If you want to donate, but can't make the event please visit www.sd64dfl.org/donate

We'd like to offer a special thanks to everyone who has signed up to co-host the event:

PLATINUM Co-hosts ($250+):
Cristine Almeida & Brian Gorecki
Rolf Westgard
Paul Cassidy
Grania McKiernan
Carole Faricy

Co-hosts ($100+)
Eric & Greta Bergstrom
Gloria Zaiger
Dave Pinto
Matt Freeman
Beth Fraser
Melanie McMahon
Matt Bergeron
(yes, all 7 candidates for the 64B seat!)
County Commissioner Rafael E. Ortega
Sharon Sudman
Doug Carnival
Philip Stoyke
Eric Celeste
Tim Flaherty
Marcia Avner & Wy Spano
Beth & Jon Commers
Rich Ginsberg
Lyn Burton
Bill Struszinski
Thomas and Marlene Kayser
Ken Iosso
Kevin Walli
Kelsey Johnson
John Kavanagh
Barbara Frey & Howard Orenstein
Brian Bergson
Elizabeth Emerson
John Knapp
Patti Cullen
John Curry
Bill Black
Ted Davis

If you have questions regarding the event or want to be a co-sponsor please contact our Fundraising Chair Chris Haas at bling@sd64dfl.org.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Wefel & Rick Varco, SD64 DFL Chair & Vice Chair

info@sd64dfl.org
www.sd64dfl.org
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