L.A. Votes: Wendy Greuel says she’s raising money at ‘fast pace’

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel said Friday that she has raised money at “a very fast pace” over the last week and insisted that her campaign would be able to compete, even though her opponent reported 10 times as much cash on hand for the final stretch.

Appearing with civil rights activist Dolores Huerta and Los Angeles Unified School Board President Monica Garcia to celebrate Mexican Mother’s Day, Greuel told reporters she had no regrets about the way her campaign had spent its money and said the team strategically targeted voters who will cast their ballots early by mail.

“I’m not one of those people who waits until the last week to say I’m going to spend my money,” the city controller told reporters during an event at the city’s historic Olvera Street. “People are voting now and it was the smart thing to do and the right thing to do, and we’ll have the resources necessary to win this campaign.”

“Fifty percent of the people will vote before election day,” Greuel added. “I’ve sent my message out. It’s clear in the polls that my message is resonating with the public…. We are able every day to get our money out for TV, for field and the other things that are so important.”

Earlier on Friday, Greuel’s rival, Eric Garcetti, used the most recent campaign finance reports to charge that his rival’s campaign was being sustained by independent groups that are airing ads on her behalf. But she dismissed his comments as “just absolutely false.”

“I have raised a substantial amount of money. I have spent it,” she said. “Because the people are voting today.”

A new poll this week showed Greuel pulling into a dead heat with Garcetti and amassing a substantial lead among female voters. Her campaign has channeled significant resources into turning out women, citing Greuel’s potential to make history as the city’s first female mayor.

Greuel celebrated Mexican Mother’s Day at her headquarters in Boyle Heights with civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, school board President Monica Garcia and her 9-year-old son Thomas, who has been a constant presence at her side on the campaign trail.

“We have an opportunity to not only make history but elect the most qualified candidate for mayor,” Greuel said. “And as I stand up here today, I think about why I’m doing this…. I’m doing it for Thomas…. I want to make sure that this city is a place where young people, no matter where you live, no matter what your ZIP code, you can get a good education.”

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Twitter: @MaeveReston