Published
2 months agoon
Devin Nunes has been out of the mainstream political picture since his January 2022 resignation from Congress. But the Tulare Republican hasn’t stopped reporting impressive campaign fundraising numbers.
Not bad for a guy not even running. Nunes left to run the Trump Media & Technology Group.
Federal campaign figures for the second quarter are in, and Nunes reported raising $1.7 million so far in 2023.
There is a caveat — nearly all that is from an Edward Jones investment account.
Rob Pyers, research director with the California Target book, says Nunes’ finances are a “fairly common occurrence with electeds who leave office to park their leftover campaign cash in Edward Jones investment accounts. In Nunes’ case, he left office with over $10 million in the bank, so the returns can be substantial.”
What’s more interesting is how he spent his money this year.
Most of the spending for Quarter 2 (more than $140,000) is with River Right LLC, a political consulting firm in Sanger run by Tal Cloud. The remainder went for employees, attorneys, and taxes.
Cloud had no comment.
Nunes reported $12 million cash on hand through June 30.
For calendar year 2022, he raised more than $5.1 million and spent nearly the same.
Not only is Speaker Kevin McCarthy the top House fundraiser among the Central Valley delegation, he tops all members.
It’s not surprising that the Speaker of the House leads the way, with more than $10 million raised for the 2023-24 cycle (more than $5 million for the second quarter). It’s the Speaker’s job to be the top fundraiser.
McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, represents parts of Fresno and Clovis in Congress. He raised 38 times the amount of challenger John Burrows, a Democrat and an aide to Fresno City Councilman Nelson Esparza.
All incumbents in the Valley delegation have strong fundraising leads, some more than others. The closest in the fundraising race is Jim Costa, D-Fresno, with a $70,000 Quarter 2 lead over challenger Michael Maher, R-Kingsburg.
Costa defeated Maher in the 2022 election, 54% to 46%.
Saving the time of reaching out to all candidates, based on past experience, here is what each of them would likely say:
“Of course, I will win the election. Look how much I raised.”
Campaign financial reports for local offices aren’t due until the end of the month. But large donations must be reported as they happen.
Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau accepted $5,000 from developer Richard Spencer on July 5. Spencer is pushing a second attempt at Measure E, which would raise county sales taxes to spend on Fresno State.
Brandau says the money will have no influence.
“I’m not supporting Measure E and the contribution doesn’t change that. I didn’t last time. I’m not this time,” Brandau said.
In 2022, Fresno County voters rejected Measure E. Spencer is raising funds to return it to the ballot in March 2024.
The contribution would limit Brandau on voting on certain items Spencer and his company, Harris Construction, may have in front of the supervisors.
Senate Bill 1439, which went into effect this year, limits elected members voting on “entitlements” (interpreted for now as things like construction contracts) for any contributor giving more than $250.
If Measure E collects enough signatures and forces the Board of Supervisors to place it on the ballot, would Brandau be restricted on voting because of SB 1439? It would seem unlikely, but with any new law, it could be challenged and await an interpretation from a judge.
Brandau is defending his seat against Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld, and Fresno County Assessor-Recorder Paul Dictos.
The election is March 5, 2024. If no candidate achieves a majority, the top two advance to the November general election.
The Fresno Chamber of Commerce PAC made several endorsements in local races.
The chamber picked incumbents Brandau, Sal Quintero, and Nathan Magsig for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors; Jerry Dyer for Fresno mayor; and David Tangipa for state Assembly.
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email