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How important is fundraising in the race for Salt Lake City mayor?
The contest traditionally has not been won with expensive TV and radio ads. But retail politics — glad-handing, knocking on doors and embracing community groups — has been essential.
Still, in the words of University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank, "It's always better to have more money. It's possible to win without a lot [of money], but difficult to do."
When it comes to fundraising for this year's race, two-term incumbent Ralph Becker is the top performer and eclipses all but challenger Jackie Biskupski.
Since February 2011, Becker has raised $419,495, according to the July 1 campaign-finance report. But he also had socked away $200,333 from previous campaigns, for a total of $619,828.
The mayor reports spending $238,850 and still has $380,978 in his campaign fund.
Biskupski, a former state legislator, is the next best fundraiser.
According to the campaign-finance report, she has brought in $219,824 for this campaign. She has spent $119,404 and has $100,419 remaining in the bank.
City Council Chairman Luke Garrott reported raising just $17,906. He has spent $16,362, according to the report. Garrott has $1,544 left in his campaign fund.
Community activist George Chapman has raised $2,600, most of it his own money. He has spent $1,248 and has a balance of $1,351.
Businessman Dave Robinson reports a campaign fund of $15,000. He has not spent any money.
Becker and Biskupski most likely have spent significant amounts hiring campaign staff, Burbank said.
But he noted that it's not necessarily over for the other candidates if they can succeed in the Aug. 11 primary.
The two top vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 3 election.
"What Councilman Garrott is banking on is that in July and August, most people aren't paying attention to politics," Burbank said. "You may be able to come through a primary without a huge amount of money spent."
At this point in the race, money could help a challenger close any lead Becker may have enjoyed, said former Mayor Ted Wilson.
"Ralph Becker was on cruise control until [Police Chief] Chris Burbank was forced to resign," he said. "Now, if a challenger has raised money, they could be a contender."
But it's not all about money, Wilson said. "Salt Lake City is still such a small town that retail politics plays a big role," he said. "But I am impressed by the mayor's fundraising. And I'm also impressed by Jackie [Biskupski's fundraising]."
Although cash is important when putting together a campaign organization, it is not necessarily a barometer of support, Burbank noted.
"If you are a candidate and can't raise money, that raises a red flag," he said. "But there are candidates who are successful at raising money but don't have broad support."