Spending in Iowa Senate 18 special election tops $400,000

So far, the candidates in a special election in a Linn County Senate district have raised more than $100,000 and spent more than $400,000 – including in-kind expenditures underwritten by political parties and others.

Republican Cindy Golding and Democrat Liz Mathis, both of Cedar Rapids, are running to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Swati Dandekar, a Marion Democrat, who took a post on the Iowa Utilities Board. Senate 18 includes Marion, and all or parts of Fairfax, Palo, Hiawatha, Robins, Alburnett, Center Point, Walker, Coggon, Prairieburg and Walford.

Her replacement will be determined in a Nov. 8 special election that is generating considerable interest because it could change the balance of power in the Iowa Senate. Democrats have a 25-24 advantage. If Golding wins, the chamber will be tied at 25.

In Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board fundraising reports due Wednesday, Mathis reported raising $63,406 and spending $22,564, leaving her with $40,842 cash on hand for the final 20 days of the campaign.

Golding raised $44,808 and spent $35,549, leaving her with $9,258.

“We feel we're in a comfortable position moving forward,” said Don McDowell, a spokesman for Golding's campaign.

The Mathis campaign declined to comment on its fundraising.

The numbers are only a preliminary indication of what will be raised and spent in the race. Campaign strategists familiar with the race estimate as much as $1 million could be spent on the race for a job that pays $25,000 a year.

The big difference in the campaigns' numbers is in what is called “in-kind contributions.” Golding reported $69,418 in in-kind contributions, primarily from the Republican Party of Iowa. Mathis logged $292,426 of in-kind contributions, with most coming from the Iowa Democratic Party. The funds, for the most part, went toward advertising, printing, postage and office supplies.

The candidates are having few public events ahead of a pair of forums later this month.

The League of Women Voters of Cedar Rapids/Marion will host a forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Center, 3375 Armar Dr., Marion. The Gazette and KCRG-TV will host a forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Linn-Mar High School, 3111 10th St., Marion.