Peter Schorsch
If there was any doubt about the interest level in the ‘battle of the two Ricks,’ check the latest campaign finance reports for Rick Kriseman and Rick Baker, both of whom raised substantial money during the last two weeks of September.
Baker, the former mayor seeking a third term in City Hall, added $66,853 to his campaign account. He’s now raised more than $516,000.
That amount would easily set the record for the most money raised by a candidate running in St. Petersburg. However, Rick Kriseman continues to break his own fundraising record.
The incumbent raised $59,527 during the most recent reporting period, pushing his overall total to $534,617.
These totals do not reflect what either Baker or Kriseman have raised for their individual political committees whose reports were not available Saturday morning.
Baker spent $29,611 during the most recent reporting period, including $9,250 to Skyway Media Solutions for a new website and social media consulting. Since not meeting the expectation of winning the mayoral race outright during the primary election, Baker has retooled his brand, pushing what some have described as a “hipster” vibe.
Baker’s campaign currently has more than $67,000 cash-on-hand heading into the final month of the campaign.
Kriseman has nearly the same amount (about $62K) left in his account after spending $22,497 during the final two weeks of September. The campaign’s largest expense was for polling.
St. Petersburg’s mayoral race concludes November 7.
