Based on early reports, David Glasgow, an openly gay candidate running for Metro Council’s District 18 seat, leads in fundraising efforts among the four candidates.
Glasgow, John Ray Clemmons, Kristine LaLonde and Stephenie Dodson are all competing for a seat that was vacated by Keith Durbin.
Campaign financial statements that were filed with the Metro Election Commission covered cash and in-kind donations made before Jan. 15. Only Glasgow and John Ray Clemmons reported funds for that period. The next filing period is March 19, which will show a more complete picture of funds raised by all candidates.
Glasgow leads with $4,800 in donations. Clemmons reported $4,350. Local journalist Nate Rau has reported in a NashvillePost.com story that “LaLonde has had strong fund-raising and is in the same neighborhood as her opponents.”
Glasgow told O&AN that he has raised a total of just over $16,000 with a goal of $20,000. He indicated that number would climb should there be a runoff election. He said his campaign has more than $11,000 in cash on hand.
Clemmons told O&AN that his fundraising goal was $25,000 and that he had approximately $11,000 in cash on hand. He said he had received one $100 donation from a political action committee and the rest of the contributions had come from individuals.
Glasgow reported more than 35 individuals had donated the $4,800 in his Jan. 15 disclosure.
Clemmons had eight donors give $4,300 and of those giving, none were local – one donor is from New York City , four from Washington D.C. , two from Maryland and one from Knoxville .
LaLonde said she would not release any fundraising figures until the next financial fundraising disclosure on March 19.
Dodson did not respond to email questions by O&AN.
Glasgow has thus far been endorsed by The Victory Fund, the Tennessee Equality Project Political Action Committee (TEP-PAC). Clemmons said he has not received any endorsements. LaLonde said she has been endorsed by Women in Numbers (WIN).
Endorsements have not yet been made from the Nashville Neighborhood Defense Fund or the Metro Nashville Education Association.