Takasugi Outspends Maron by Big Margin

Assemblyman Nao Takasugi (R-Oxnard) has spent more than 10 times what his Democratic opponent Dorothy Maron has spent in a contest for the 37th Assembly District seat, according to recent campaign finance statements.

Takasugi spent a total of $86,700 on his campaign, while Maron reported expenditures of $7,913. The candidates’ latest campaign finance reports cover the period through Oct. 22.

The two are running in an Assembly district that stretches from Oxnard to Thousand Oaks and Moorpark.

Takasugi, who is seeking his second term, so far has received $100,900 in campaign donations. During October, he received more than $2,000 from local attorneys and about the same from doctors, dentists and ophthalmologists. He also received $500 contributions each from Amgen and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn.

On the other hand, Maron reported $23,000 in campaign money, including a personal loan of $20,000. She said she plans to spend most of it on a campaign mailer the week before the election.

Although the district favors Republicans, Maron said that she is determined to win and that is why “you have to put your money where your mouth is.”

In the 38th Assembly District, Republican incumbent Paula L. Boland of Granada Hills has spent $64,000 on her reelection bid, while her 19-year-old Democratic opponent, Josh Arce, has raised and spent about $14,000. The district includes Simi Valley, Fillmore and parts of the western San Fernando Valley.

Despite Boland’s spending lead, Arce, a resident of Chatsworth, said he is not deterred. He said he has run a strong grass-roots campaign, claiming to have knocked on about 12,000 doors while canvassing neighborhoods in the district.

“This is a test of my theory that people power can beat money,” he said.