Democrats keep cash lead in races for financial posts
Betty Yee, the Democratic candidate for controller, has more than double the amount of campaign funds available compared to her Republican rival, according to new documents filed with the state.
Yee, a member of the Board of Equalization, has nearly $500,000 in the bank. Ashley Swearengin, the Republican mayor of Fresno, has $215,000.
Swearengin is also carrying nearly $105,649 in debt, almost three times more than Yee’s $38,307.
The matchup between Yee and Swearengin is one of the most closely watched of the year. The controller is a powerful financial post, with responsibility for managing the state’s cash flow and auditing other agencies.
The current controller, John Chiang, a Democrat, is running for treasurer. He has $3 million at his disposal, but he isn’t facing a competitive race.
His Republican opponent, Greg Conlon, has only $3,766 in the bank, and is $6,098 in debt.
Follow @chrismegerian for more updates from Sacramento.
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