Primary runoff candidates file finance reports

Uber and Lyft’s recent spending spree in their failed campaign to pass Proposition 1 is a tough act to follow, but that’s not stopping the candidates in the May 24 Democratic primary runoff from trying (though their efforts should be attributed more to federal and state laws rather than any particular boldness). With less than a week to go before election, the candidates in two separate races have revealed through campaign finance reports how much money they’ve raised and spent in their respective quests for local office. In the Travis County Commissioners Court Precinct 1 contest, Jeff Travillion reported raising $46,100 since late February. He has also spent about that much and has more than $15,000 left in his war chest. His opponent, Arthur Sampson, claimed a total of $1,400 in contributions, $350 in expenditures and $0 in reserves. Sampson’s filings claim to only cover the period from late February to April 24, which may help account for no mention of spending on television advertisements that are reportedly running on at least one major cable news network. In the County Constable Precinct 1 race, things are bit more even. Incumbent Danny Thomas raised $6,450, spent $4,494 and has $1,956 in the final days of early voting. His opponent, Janie Serna, managed to collect $4,471. She also spent $4,071 and still has $335 in the bank. Early voting ends on Friday and election day is next Tuesday. Vote!