Published Thursday, February 1, 2001

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Kelly, Long take early lead in St. Paul mayoral fundraising

Randy Kelly and BobLong, two candidates for St. Paul mayor who started building their campaigns long before officially jumping into the race last month, are the early leaders in fund-raising.

According to campaign finance reports filed with the Ramsey County elections office, Long has raised $24,068 since August. Long, an attorney and former City Council member, received most of the contributions in sums of $50 or more, including a donation from St. Paul attorney Joe O'Neill.

Kelly, a DFL state senator from the East Side, reported raising $5,980 in December. Added to previous contributions, that put his total fund-raising results at $25,523, according to his report. Contributors included longtime DFL supporter Vance Opperman and Minnesota Wild CEO Jac Sperling.

Kelly's report did not list expenditures or a current balance, but he said Wednesday night that his campaign had spent $1,155 on a recent mailing and will file an amended report today. Long reported spending $9,618, leaving $14,450 available in his campaign coffers.

The reports were due Wednesday, although authorities provide some leeway to allow for mail delivery. Two officially declared candidates, City Council President Dan Bostrom and Bobbi Megard, a consultant and former City Council member, did not have reports filed by the end of business Wednesday.

Council Member Jay Benanav, who has been exploring a mayoral run since last summer and is expected to declare his candidacy next week, has raised $16,502. He listed a balance of $11,872.

Bob Kessler, a former St. Paul licensing director expected to announce his candidacy this month, raised $10,207 and has spent $3,155 since August, leaving $9,322. City Council Member Jerry Blakey, also expected to declare his candidacy soon, raised $3,015 and spent $670, leaving a balance of $2,345.

The next campaign finance reports are due Sept. 3, shortly before the primary election.

Kevin Duchschere can be reached at kduchschere@startribune.com