This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, April 25, 2012 - The four-way Democratic battle to become St. Louis’ next city treasurer is a three-way contest, at the moment, when it comes to money in the bank.
With just over three months to go before the August 7 primary, Alderman Jeffrey Boyd retains the financial edge – but just barely.
At this point, city candidates are still amassing money to pay for roughly six weeks of campaigning this summer – when voters are paying attention.
And in the city of St. Louis, the Democratic victor in the primary will be the odds-on favorite to win in November. It's been decades since a Republican has been elected to citywide office.
Boyd’s latest campaign report showed him with $119,842 in the bank, just ahead of city Democratic Party chairman Brian Wahby, with $115,610.
Wahby raised the most money, by far, during the last three months -- $56, 521, more than twice the $23,495 reported by Boyd.
Close behind, in third place, was Alderman Fred Wessels, who reported $94,517 in the bank after collecting $18,545 since January 1.
State Rep. Tishaura Jones came in a distant fourth, with $30,747 on hand after raising $23,570 during the last three months.
Jones is ahead in one department – she spent the most of the four so far this year: $19,303. Wahby’s expenses totaled $10,810, followed by Boyd, who spent $8,358, and then Wessels, who spent on $5,366.
All four are competing to succeed veteran city Treasurer Larry Williams, who is retiring after holding the office for more than 30 years.
