Campaign finance: Which candidates have the most money to spend?

Central Coast candidates are making a final push for votes prior to the June 7 election.

From signs, to public appearances, nothing on campaign trail is free.

“The expense of running a campaign these days is just enormous,” said political analyst, David Anderson.

Locally, one of the biggest spenders is Jimmy Panetta. Since January 1st, the Panetta campaign has raised nearly $700,000 for his race for congress. His cash on hand is more than $300,000.

“In Jimmy Panetta’s case he would have a number of advantages,” said Anderson. “If not anything else just the party, this is a democratic area and he is the democratic candidate,” added Anderson.

Beyond party preferences, Panetta’s opponent, republican Casey Lucius, has significantly less money. The campaign has raised a little over $200,000.

“A new competitor like Casey Lucius, who is a new name locally, a new name in local politics, no matter how good she is she has got to work to get that same kind of level of recognition,” said Anderson.

It is no secret running a winning campaign is not cheap, especially when getting the word out usually requires going through the media.

An assembly campaign like Anna Caballero’s can afford to advertise on television. Her total contributions are more than $200,000 but so is her spending.

“Anna Caballero has had a long time role in local politics, a lot of local friends, and she’s been in office before,” said Anderson.

Caballero opponent, Karina Cervantez Alejo has a lot of name recognition. She is running for her husband’s assembly seat. Still, at about $80,000 Alejo hasn’t raised as much money. She does however have more than $300,000 in total expenditures.