Brochin, left, and McDonough
A new Baltimore Sun-University of Baltimore poll shows that state Sen. Jim Brochin is leading Councilwoman Vicki Almond and former delegate John Olszewski Jr. in the Democratic primary for Baltimore County Executive.
The same poll shows that on the Republican side, Del. Pat McDonough is leading state insurance commissioner Al Redmer, although that race is tighter. More details about the poll are at The Baltimore Sun.
The numbers are flipped, however, when it comes to campaign funds.
Almond, who is favored by the major developers in the county, has the most cash on hand. Additionally, a super PAC was formed last month to support her candidacy. That means her opponents could soon be the subjects of costly attack ads, although the super PAC would not disclose its plans.
Super PACs can spend an unlimited amount of money in support of — or opposition to — a candidate, and they can accept unlimited donations. Donations to super PACs sometimes come from nonprofits or LLCs whose origins are unclear, which makes tracking down the interests behind the money extremely difficult.
Last month, the candidates reported their financial information for the period of mid-January to mid-May:
Almond took in $204,000, spent $84,000, and had $736,000 on hand.
Brochin took in $151,000, spent $854,000, and had $61,000 on hand.
Republican Pat McDonough took in $33,000, spent $40,000, and had $22,000 on hand.
Olszewski took in $186,000, spent $151,000, and had $540,000 on hand.
Redmer took in $167,000, spent $169,000, and had $121,000 on hand.
McDonough took in $33,000, spent $40,000, and had $22,000 on hand.
Early voting in the primary starts this Thursday and goes through June 21. Election day is June 26.