Political race round-up

Lots of discussion today of the top local and state races, probably spurred by the release of financial reports for the year just ended. Here are some highlights:

1. US Senate: Incumbent Rick Santorum has a big lead in fund-raising over presumptive opponent Bob Casey, with $7.8 million versus $3.4 million on hand, but with plenty of time remaining for this race to set all kinds of monetary records. The other Democratic and Republican challengers are far behind in money terms, with mere thousands in the bank. The Daily News story stops there, but the Inquirer piece goes on to give fund totals for some other races in the southeast Pennsylvania region.
   
   
2. PA Governor: Rendell is way ahead of the two Republican frontrunners in fundraising, having a nearly ten-fold advantage in funds on hand. Both the Inquirer story and the Daily News version give some details of big donors behind each candidate.
   
   
3. Philadelphia Mayor: Despite the fact that this race is more than 18 months away, substantial monies are already being poured into the warchests of several potential candidates; 6 candidates account for $8 million already raised, although more than half of that is a self-donation by Tom Knox. This whirlwind sparks reflections on what newly enacted campaign contribution restrictions mean for these contenders, as well as warnings from chief elections watchdog Zach Stalberg.

As a footnote, the Daily News also offers a summary of the finances of Councilman Rick Mariano, whose reelection campaign may have to be put on hold pending his federal corruption verdict. Timing of various donations and expenditures is carefully itemized for your prurient interest.