Who's winning the Denver district attorney's money race
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John Walsh has spent $58,500 of his own money on his bid for Denver district attorney, new reports show, part of a huge fundraising campaign that gives him the financial advantage in the race.
Why it matters: Campaign cash is one indication of a candidate's strength and is allowing Walsh to reach more voters through advertising.
The latest: The Democratic candidate and former U.S. attorney for Colorado released a TV ad, titled "Trust," featuring his former boss, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
- In the 30-second spot, Holder called Walsh's "integrity" and experience as a prosecutor "unmatched."
By the numbers: So far, Walsh has spent at least $13,000 on advertising efforts compared to his opponent Leora Joseph, a fellow Democrat, who has spent under $2,000.
The big picture: Walsh is leading in the fundraising race with a total of approximately $453,000 raised and $268,000 cash on hand.
- Joseph has raised about $326,000 with nearly $171,000 cash on hand.
Zoom in: The attorneys currently working in the DA's office are overwhelmingly supporting Walsh, who is endorsed by outgoing District Attorney Beth McCann, an Axios analysis of campaign finance reports shows.
- Courtney Johnston, the chief deputy district attorney and wife of Denver's mayor, contributed $100 to his campaign.
- More than 500 donors gave Walsh the maximum $450 contribution.
The other side: Joseph, the head of Colorado's Office of Behavioral Health and former prosecutor, had at least 245 donors max out. She also received $2,500 from the Apartment Association of Metro Denver's committee.
What they're saying: Walsh tells Axios Denver his team is "actively out there raising money" and plans to continue running the current TV ad, and possibly others, as the election nears.
- Joseph's campaign spokesperson, Ben Tobias, tells us the campaign will debut her first TV ad starting Monday with the intention of staying "competitive" on air.
What's next: Ballots for Colorado's primary are hitting mailboxes this week. Election Day is June 25.