McMahon claims vast edge in campaign contributions

Staten Island Advance

City Councilman Michael McMahon's camp says it has raised about $500,000 for his bid to capture disgraced Rep. Vito Fossella's seat, more than twice as much as his opponent for the Democratic nomination.

The McMahon campaign touted the deluge of donor dollars as proof that the term-limited councilman has the support to win the congressional seat, although the campaign won't officially file papers with the Federal Election Commission until the July 15 deadline.

McMahon's opponent for the Democratic nomination, Brooklyn lawyer Stephen Harrison, admitted that his campaign has raised far less -- about $150,000, according to his best estimate.

The second-quarter reporting deadline, which covers fundraising from April 1 to June 30, had both campaigns spinning the numbers yesterday.

McMahon's camp noted that the half-million was raised in only a few weeks, while Harrison said he's getting smaller donations from individual voters.

"If dollars could vote, he wins," said Harrison. "But they don't. It's a classic grassroots campaign against a machine campaign, and we'll see what happens."

Whoever the Democrats nominate will enjoy a distinct advantage over his Republican opponent. The GOP endorsed candidate Frank Powers to run for Fossella's seat, only to see the former Wall Street executive die suddenly June 22. They have yet to pick a replacement.

The Independence Party is running Carmine Morano.

McMahon's campaign manager, Chris Miller, said the turmoil in the GOP made the numbers alleged to have been raised even more convincing -- the thinking being that donations would drop off in the absence of a Republican challenger.

"It's a strong number," Miller said. "We think it's a clear signal of support, especially with the absence of a Republican candidate."

The primary election is Sept. 9.
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