Salt Lake City mayor hauls in campaign cash despite sparse field

Lack of heavy opposition has not stopped incumbent Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker from dialing for dollars.

The Democrat, who is seeking a second term this fall, has raised $407,000, including $57,000 the past two months, according to campaign finance disclosures filed this week.

The mayor has a sea of small donors — 736 so far — who have helped him amass the cash.

But Becker has also spent much of the $57,000 raised during the latest cycle, which began May 28. A large chunk of the $41,000 spent went toward a campaign kickoff gala, according to campaign manager Matt Lyon, while the rest helped cover rent, staff costs, direct mail for a fundraiser and door-to-door brochures.

Becker's only opponent is Allen Kimball, a relative unknown who turns 80 by year's end. Kimball, who filed on the July 15 deadline day, has served as a precinct chairman for the Salt Lake County Republican Party. His disclosure report lists a $1,000 personal loan (no contributions) with nearly half spent.

Kimball says he leans Republican, but he declined to name any particular reason for running in the nonpartisan race.

Lyon says Becker has walked 30 percent of the city's neighborhoods and that the mayor considers the campaign an opportunity to further engage residents on their interests and concerns.

In the City Council contests, incumbents J.T. Martin and Van Turner are being outpaced in the money chase.

In east-bench District 6, challenger Charlie Luke leads the way with nearly $15,500 — $7,000 from the summer cycle. Martin has collected $11,000 ($5,850 since late May) and $3,000 from a personal loan. A third candidate, Tracey Harty, has raised $8,800, with $5,000 this cycle.

In west-side District 2, newcomer Kyle LaMalfa has piled nearly $9,000 compared with $2,300 from frequent challenger Michael Clara. Both hopefuls eclipse Turner, who reports $1,500 in the bank but no contributions since his previous campaign.

In central-city District 4, incumbent Luke Garrott reports $4,675 — more than half that total coming in the past two months. His opponent, Jack Gray, lists $176 in donations but just $3 left in the bank. Where they stand

Mayor

Ralph Becker (i)

Raised • $407,412

Remaining • $238,104

Allen Kimball

Raised • $1,000

Remaining • $521

Council District 2

Michael Clara

Raised • $2,300

Remaining • $570

Kyle LaMalfa

Raised • $8,975

Remaining • $3,829

Van Turner (i)

Raised • $0

Remaining • $1,500

Council District 4

Luke Garrott (i)

Raised • $4,675

Remaining • $827

Jack Gray

Raised • $176

Remaining • $3

Council District 6

Tracey Harty

Raised • $8,825

Remaining • $3,790

Charlie Luke

Raised • $15,470

Remaining • $7,939

J.T. Martin (i)

Raised • $11,000

Remaining • $5,304

* Note: Money remaining can include contributions from a previous campaign.