Robert Shaffer
GLENDALE -- Republican Paul Zee has raised more than $500,000 for his
state Senate campaign, thrusting him ahead of his Democratic opponents in
the race for the state Senate.
Zee, a South Pasadena City Councilman, has raised $507,000, slightly
less that his campaign manager estimated last week. The total puts him
ahead of Assemblymen Jack Scott and Scott Wildman, two Democrats who who
are better known in the district. Both have served two terms in the state
Assembly.
Of the half-million dollars, Zee received $200,000 from the Republican
leadership in Sacramento and donated another $100,000 of his own money to
his campaign. In the Democratic primary, Scott (D-Montrose) has raised
$495,000 to Wildman's $354,000.
Zee said his campaign is excited about the support from the capitol.
"Not only are they behind me, they are totally committed. They want to
get me elected," he said. The Republican leadership, including Senate
Minority Leader Ross Johnson (R-Irvine) and Senate Republican Caucus
Chairman James Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga), doesn't have many competitive
races to donate to statewide, said Steve Gray-Barkan, Wildman's campaign
manager.
"They don't have many places to go," he said.
Zee also had the edge in money unspent. Zee still has $426,000 left in
his campaign account. Scott has $354,000 to Wildman's $284,000.
Wendy Gordon, Scott's campaign spokesman, said the Altadena
Assemblyman also receives many donations from Republicans.
"He gets a lot of money from crossover voters. His moderate message
appeals to many people in both parties," she said.
Scott has spent $94,000 thus far on his campaign to win the Democratic
primary, almost four times Wildman's $25,000. That number has Gray-Barkan
feeling good.
"After Jack Scott has spent all this money and both are ahead in their
own polls, they now have relatively similar resources to conduct their
campaigns," he said.
While Wildman (D-Glendale) and Scott are expected to spend a lot of
money trying to win the primary, Zee only has to beat Glendale resident
and frequent candidate David Wallis. Wallis' campaign statement was
unavailable Tuesday. Still, Zee said he will not wait until after the
primary to start campaigning.
"I am going to spend some money starting this month. I'm not taking
anything lightly," he said. "I want to win the primary and I want to win
it big."
Gordon said if Scott wins the primary, more money will flow into the
campaign.
"We expect to be competitive," she said.
Gray-Barkan said as the incumbent, either Democrat will have an
advantage over Zee.
"Being a member of the Assembly will give Scott an incredible record
to run on," he said.
