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Big Cash Comes For Reed, Mitrano Contest

With less than two weeks until the election — and early voting getting underway this weekend — the money is flowing for candidates in the Congressional District 23 race.

According to the Federal Election Commission, through Sept. 30, challenger Tracy Mitrano has received more support in individual contributions than incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Reed during this election cycle. Over the 21-month period dating back to Jan. 1, 2019, Mitrano has received $1,149,234 while Reed, R-Corning, reported $1,111,238.

Reed’s coffers, however, are nearly triple for cash on hand compared to Mitrano, a Democrat from Penn Yan. He has $1,047,072 to spend while Mitrano has $349,902.

Most of the figures in the highest-priced race in the region are unsurprising. In making her second run for the Congressional seat, Mitrano has stated — in both campaigns — how tough raising funds from individuals can be.

“We’re building a grassroots movement from Western New York across the Southern Tier and up through the Finger Lakes, and we’re proud to be running our campaign without any help from corporate (Political Action Committee) funding,” Mitrano said in September after she announced raising more than $290,000 over a two-month period. “This race was never about me or my opponent. It’s about the constituents I seek to represent, and I’m humbled to have the support of so many people from every corner of the district who continue to chip in what they can to propel this campaign forward.”

She also notes most of Reed’s contributions come from deeper pockets, which was disputed earlier this month by the incument’s campaign spokesman.

“This past quarter, Tom’s campaign earned a record number of small-dollar contributions,” said Matt Coker, who indicated the campaign had raised $3 million. “We are making unprecedented investments into our campaign’s voter outreach and get out the vote operation.”

In the county and state races, Republicans have an edge in the races for district attorney and state Assembly while the Democratic campaign has raised more in the race for county executive.

According to the New York State Board Elections website, challenger Richard Morrisroe has raised $33,195 through Tuesday while spending $15,608. Incumbent PJ Wendel has $20,672, spending $12,782.

In what is expected to be a closely contested race, both campaigns for county district attorney have raised more than $20,000. Jason Schmidt reports $26,429 in contributions with $12,593 in expenses. Patrick Swanson, the incumbent, has $22,585 with $15,967 in expenses.

The campaign for incumbent Sen. George Borrello has raised $34,290 while spending about $4,800. He’s being challenged by Democrat Frank Puglisi, who is not actively campaigning.

The largest gap in funding is for Assembly. Eleventh-hour challenger Christina Cardinale, a Democrat, reported $4,027 while spending only $100 through Tuesday. Current Assemblyman Andrew Goodell had $29,798 and had spent $6,807, the website noted.

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