Kelly Hayes
Lobbyist and breast cancer advocate Bobbie Shay Lee outraised financial planner Copley Gerdes in the latest weekly finance period as the two compete for the District 1 seat on St. Petersburg City Council.
However, Gerdes still remains the top overall fundraiser in the race.
Lee reported raising $2,570 in the latest campaign finance filing, which accounted for the first week of October, lasting from Oct. 2 through Oct. 8. Gerdes raised $955 in the same timeframe.
Despite a lower weekly haul, Gerdes still leads in total fundraising, having collected $70,400 since launching his campaign, while Lee has raised $63,585.
Lee reported five donors to her campaign this time around, including a $1,000 donation from Friends of Chris Latvala, the affiliated political committee of Pinellas County Republican Rep. Chris Latvala.
Her campaign also saw another $1,000 donation from political committee Creating Possibilities, as well as a $500 contribution from former St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker.
Gerdes reported seven campaign donors in the latest report, with the highest donation from real estate developer Lee Allen at $500.
Gerdes was the top spender this report, likely in preparation for the quickly approaching Nov. 2 election. Gerdes dished out $7,775, including about $6,000 on advertising and another $1,500 on consulting services.
Lee, on the other hand, only spent $1,247, with about $900 going to accounting services and the remainder spread among event entertainment costs and processing fees.
As they enter the final weeks on the campaign trail, Lee is left with $10,715 cash on hand and Gerdes $3,525.
The District 1 seat opened after City Council member Robert Blackmon resigned to run for Mayor.
Gerdes is currently polling ahead of Lee, with the survey showing 24% of respondents supporting Gerdes, who is the son of former City Council member Charlie Gerdes, and 20% backing Lee. Still, 56% were still unsure.
Lee and Gerdes ended the Primary Election neck and neck, both taking 34% of the vote, leaving close polling data not much of a surprise in what was already expected to be a competitive race.
