Costantino leads mayoral money race

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - State Representative Steven Costantino remains head of the pack with the most bloated war chest in his bid to become the next mayor of Providence, but his closest competitor was able to raise more money in the last quarter.

According to campaign finance reports just filed, Costantino had a little more than $387,000 in his account. Former Housing Court Judge Angel Taveras reported about $150,000 of cash-on-hand. The reports, which were due Monday, show campaign money as of June 30.

City Councilor John Lombardi ranked third on the list with more than $19,000.

Costantino's group raised about $110,000 between April and June, while Taveras took in about $139,000. Lombardi raised $40,000 in the same time frame.

"I think this primary will cost somewhere around $400,000 to $600,000 in the end," said Eyewitness News political analyst Joe Fleming. "The Democratic primary in Providence this years looks like it’s the big game. If you win the primary you're in a very strong position to win the general election."

• Web Extra: Extended interview with Fleming

The filing showed Lombardi spent much of his money on what he called "alternative media."

"We got out there early on Facebook and others," Lombardi said. "We have to do that to be competitive."

In fact, Lombardi spent 20 grand in the last quarter with MediaPeel, a digital marketing firm owned by Anthony Gemma, a candidate for First Congressional District.

"We're not concerned [about the money]," Lombardi said. "We have some great commitments. We'll be doing what we have to do to be competitive."

Each campaign told Eyewitness News they were busy meeting voters face-to-face. But with the primary just six weeks away, Fleming said more traditional media, like radio, television and direct mail, is going to be key.

"I don't think these candidates are worried about saving money for November," he said. "They are going to spend every cent they have going into Sept. 14."

Costantino spokesperson Jenn Bramley confirmed a more traditional media display is forthcoming after they taped a TV commercial late last week, but she declined to say when it would hit the airwaves.

"We, of course, will use traditional media to get out our message," Bramley said. "But Providence has the advantage where you can walk the city and go to door to door."

Despite a brutal year to raise money — a punishing recession and crowded ballot — the Taveras campaign said they were able to raise more cash in the last quarter through grassroots fundraising.

"Taveras has done a great job at organizing," Fleming said. "The question now is: can he turn that fundraising over to an organization to deliver the votes on Sept. 14?"

Like the others, Taveras campaign manager Lauren Nocera was reluctant to reveal strategy, but said things will begin to heat up.

"We're going to do it all," Nocera said. "We're in the process of nailing down particulars of our strategy but I can guarantee you're going to see a diverse set of methods."

The other Democrat in the race, Chris Young, pledged not to accept donations of more than $100, so he is not required to submit updated reports. His most recent filing, however, showed a zero balance.

War chest watchers have mid-August marked on their calendars, when campaigns file real-time numbers a month before the primary.

twhite@wpri.com