If campaign fundraising totals are any indication of the status of the Democratic race for New York's 24th Congressional district, it's a dead heat.
Federal Election Commission receipts show that Syracuse lawyer Steve Williams leads the pack, having brought in $152,000 dollars, Syracuse University professor Eric Kingson comes in second with $148,000 and Colleen Deacon, a former regional director for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has raised $131,000. Some of that money has been spent, but Williams still has the most cash on hand with $117,000. However, Deacon's campaign noted that Williams' total includes a $31,000 loan, while the other two candidates have not taken on any debt.
The totals pale in comparison to incumbent Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus), who has brought in $1.1 million for his reelection bid. Federal records show that Katko has spent some of his campaign war chest, leaving him with $885,897 on hand.
The three Democratic candidates are meeting for their second forum Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Afterward, the Cayuga, Oswego and Wayne county Democratic committees are expected to make a joint endorsement. Still, both Kingson and Williams have indicated that they will seek the seat through a June primary if they don’t win committee support. And Deacon has said if she is not endorsed, she will make a decision at that time on whether to continue in the race.
