Greensboro campaign finance update

Mayor Yvonne Johnson moves to the head of the pack in terms of cash on hand with the recent filing of her mid-year semi-annual report. The mayor holds $16,343, outpacing at-large candidate Nancy Vaughan, who previously had the largest war chest. (See previous post.)

In receipts, however, the mayor takes a back seat to District 5 incumbent Trudy Wade, who has raised $16,575 since the election cycle began. But just barely: Johnson has raised $16,310. Wade has spent $14,850 of her reserve since January 2008 with Republican political consultant Bill Burckley, leaving $5,674.

Wade's opponent, Art Boyett, has not raised significant sums. Johnson's opponent, Bill Knight has raised only $2,500, which he loaned to himself and spent on Burckley's consulting services.

Campaign contributions received by Johnson this year have come from a wide array of sources, including at-large candidate Marikay Abuzuaiter, NC Rep. Alma Adams,Human Relations Commission Chair Maxine Bakeman, Durham Mayor Bill Bell, District 1 Councilwoman Dianne Bellamy-Small (only $10), developer Roy Carroll II, NC Sen. Katie Dorsett, Klan-Nazi shooting survivor Signe Waller Foxworth, real estate lawyers Henry Isaacson and Marc Isaacson, District 2 candidate Jim Kee, developer Edmund Koury, Win Win Resolutions Executive Director Debra Vigliano and criminal defense lawyer Joe Williams.

Going into her reelection campaign, Johnson's total receipts are triple what she raised at this stage of her inaugural bid for the office in 2007.

Johnson has spent $11,600, mostly for her May campaign kickoff, including on buttons and stickers, entertainment, caps, T-shirts, signs, photos, postage, a newspaper advertisement in the Carolina Peacemaker, website development and invitations.

Much of Wade's $16,575 in receipts was received from individuals employed in the real estate and development professions.