Bad economy saps fundraising efforts for candidates in Tampa, Hillsborough County

TAMPA — In this faltering economy, local candidates say supporters are being less generous than usual with contributions.

"The current recession is certainly impacting the fundraising efforts for all candidates," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who's running for the countywide District 5 seat, being vacated by Jim Norman because of term limits.

Hagan pulled in $50,286 in his second quarter of fundraising, according to campaign finance reports turned in this week. That brings his total to $137,371.

He collected nearly $180,000 in the first two quarters of his 2008 campaign.

"There's no question it's more challenging this time around," he said.

County Commissioner Mark Sharpe has raised $35,000 in his first two quarters of fundraising, with nearly all of it coming in the second period. He grossed $65,850 in his first big fundraising push in 2006.

"A lot of the businesses that used to be there are no longer there," he said. "They don't have the resources. It's tough."

The difference is particularly noticeable in the development community, which is typically a staple of local political campaigns but has been racked by the tanking real estate market and construction industry, he said.

Sharpe said he's pleased with his fundraising results so far, which are still greater than most of his reporting periods in 2006.

"I'm right where I normally am," he said. "But it's work."

A slate of high-profile state races — including Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate and Alex Sink for governor — also cuts into the competition for cash.

"Everybody's trying to get that same dollar from the same folks," said former state Sen. Les Miller, who's challenging Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White in the 2010 race for the District 3 seat.

Miller raised more than $13,400 this quarter, bringing his total to $21,970.

"A lot of people say, 'Les I'd like to give you $500, but I can't. I'll have to give you $100 or $250,' " he said. "That's understandable. It's tough out there. I'm just accepting whatever I can, even if it's $1."

White has raised nearly $20,000 in the past three months, putting his two-quarter total at more than $67,000.

City Council Chairman Tom Scott reports bringing in about $5,000 in the first quarter of fundraising in his bid for election as Tampa mayor in 2011.

Scott said he announced his candidacy early to give himself more time to raise money in a tight economy.

"Even though the economy is not the best, I am encouraged by some of the commitments and some of the people who say they will do a fundraiser," he said.

Tampa City Council member John Dingfelder, a candidate for the District 1 County Commission seat, has raised $30,535, according to his first campaign finance report.

"I'm not complaining at all," said Dingfelder. "With the economy the way it is, I was pleased and grateful that people were willing to give money."

And he sees a silver lining.

Two years ago, Dingfelder pushed for campaign finance reform to limit contributions to city candidates. He proposed the idea after he won a City Council race marked by intensive fundraising and harsh attacks from his opponent.

Now, the economy is limiting contributions.

"Everybody is going to get impacted across the board with reduced contributions and that's fine. Let money be less of a factor," he said.

With limited cash, candidates and consultants say they'll spend less on things like television ads and mailers, and more time going door-to-door and making phone calls.

"Money doesn't always win campaigns," said Republican political consultant April Schiff. "Hard work, grass roots will win campaigns before money does."

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.