Campaign Treasuries of Area Delegation Low

Less than a year after costly reelection races in new districts, the campaign treasuries of Ventura County’s congressmen are relatively low--at least for incumbents.

Veteran Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills), whose 24th District includes most of Thousand Oaks, had $31,019 in cash but owed $50,000 to himself as of June 30. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) had $68,305 and owed himself and his wife $12,444.

The figures somewhat understate the lawmakers’ campaign resources. Each has raised money that is not reflected in their recent campaign reports, which cover activity through June 30. The reports were made available in recent weeks.

Gallegly said Friday that he raised $75,000 at a $250-a-person event in Oxnard two weeks ago. Beilenson has received “thousands of dollars” this summer in response to a direct-mail solicitation, campaign manager Craig Miller said.

Beilenson, who spent a hefty $786,463 to defeat former Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) last November, faces the prospect of another expensive race next year in his highly competitive 24th District, which includes Malibu and part of the San Fernando Valley.

Richard Sybert, Gov. Wilson’s state director of planning and research and a possible candidate for the Republican nomination against Beilenson, disclosed last week that he has loaned $310,000 of his own funds to an exploratory committee. Others have also expressed interest in seeking the district’s GOP nomination.

“We are very optimistic about our fund-raising potential,” Miller said, noting that Beilenson last year well exceeded expectations about his ability to garner large sums entirely from individual donors. The lawmaker accepts no political action committee money.

Beilenson received $47,618 in contributions from individuals between Jan. 1 and June 30. He paid back a $15,000 loan to himself in March, leaving a debt of $50,000.

Gallegly raised $57,045 and spent $37,834 during the reporting period. His receipts included $8,114 from PACs--a relatively modest 14.2% of his total. Farmers Group PAC, Home Savings PAC, Litton Employees PAC, AT & T PAC and Whittaker Corp. PAC each gave Gallegly $1,000.

Gallegly, who spent $862,061 in the last election cycle, said he was pleased to push his coffers back over $100,000. He defeated Democrat Anita Perez Ferguson in November.

“We should be very pleased, particularly when you consider that it’s very difficult for folks to contribute to campaigns now” in this economy, Gallegly said. “It will be every bit as difficult for an opponent, unless that opponent is very wealthy.”

Gallegly said a high percentage of his donors were from within his 23rd District, which includes Carpinteria and all of Ventura County, except most of Thousand Oaks.