The race for Atlanta mayor has already far outpaced the last wide-open contest for the city's top job, totaling more than $10 million in campaign contributions, according to financial reports filed this week.
The infusion of cash poured into the race reflects how competitive Tuesday’s vote to succeed Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed remains as eight credible contenders compete for two spots in a December runoff.
At least six candidates have collected or loaned their campaigns more than $1 million, and several have dipped deeply into their bank accounts to help finance their bids. And most report six-figure troves for the final stretch.
Contrast that to the 2009 race. In that contest, in the backdrop of a bruising recession, the three main competitors totaled about $5.8 million through the general election and the runoff. In 2001, Shirley Franklin collected about $4 million for her successful mayoral bid.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest reports, which span from Sept. 30 to Oct. 25:
Former Atlanta Operating Officer Peter Aman: He collected another $160,000 in the last month, including another $80,000 from his personal accounts. He's raised or lent himself $2.3 million, and has $360,000 left in the bank.
City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms: She raised another $277,000 in the last month, for a total of about $1.4 million. She reported about $132,000 cash on hand.
Former Fulton Chair John Eaves: He raised about $42,000 this month, for a total of about $250,000. He's got about $84,000 left.
Former State Sen. Vincent Fort: He's raised $24,000 over the last month, for a total of $500,000. He has about $156,000 left.
City Councilman Kwanza Hall: He's raised $24,000 over the last month, for a total of $640,000. He has about $130,000 left.
City Council President Ceasar Mitchell: He raised about $115,000 over the last month, for a total of about $2.1 million, including at least $150,000 in loans. He has roughly $210,000 in cash on hand.
City Councilwoman Mary Norwood: She raised about $127,000 over the last month, for a total of roughly $1.5 million. She's got $282,000 left.
Former Atlanta official Michael Sterling (who recently dropped out of the race): He previously reported raising about $230,000.
Former City Council President Cathy Woolard: She raised about $74,000 over the last month, for a total of just over $1 million. She's got about $200,000 left.
Businessman Glenn Wrightson: He's loaned himself about $1 million and raised another $17,000. He reports his entire loan - $1 million – is still on hand.
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