Politics & Government

Kamenetz Spent Nearly $2 million on Victory

The newly elected Democratic county executive raised and spent more than his Republican opponent.

County Executive-elect Kevin Kamenetz raised and spent more than his Republican opponent by a 5-to-1 ratio in the 2010 election, according to the most recent figures released by the Maryland State Board of Elections.

Kamenetz raised more than $1.95 million and spent nearly all of it—about $1.93 million—for his successful county executive bid. The figures include every dollar raised and spent during both the primary and general election contests.

The bulk of Kamenetz's expenditures—about $1.2 million—came during his primary bid against fellow four-term Democratic Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder. Much of what was spent during the primary went directly to television commercials.

During the general, Kamenetz raised an additional $453,000 and spent nearly $478,000—not including $220,000 he transfered to a slate account that was ultimately spent on his behalf.

By contrast, Republican County Executive candidate Ken Holt raised and spent nearly 80 percent less.

During his uncontested Republican primary, Holt raised $153,192, including a $95,000 loan he gave his own campaign. During that same time, he spent $33,738.

Holt raised an additional $203,000 for the general election, which includes a $100,000 transfer from Republican Bryan McIntire's campaign account. During the same period, Holt spent nearly $314,000. Much of that went to media expenses, including television commercials and repaying $90,000 of the loan he made to himself.

Slates continue to chip in

Slates continue to play an important role in county elections since County Executive Jim Smith first used one to transfer more than $430,000 to Scott Shellenberger to help fund the 2006 state's attorney's race.

Under state law, slate campaign accounts allow multiple candidates to pool their money for the benefit of all or just one of the members. The slate account also allows candidates to circumvent certain contribution limits.

State campaign finance law allows candidates to make a one-time transfer of up to $6,000 to as many other state candidates as they like in a four-year cycle.

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Under a slate account, the members of the slate can transfer money into the account from their individual accounts without limit. The slate can also transfer unlimited amounts of money back out to individual member candidates.

Kamenetz joined two slates—Baltimore County West Democratic Slate and Better Baltimore County.

It is not clear how much was spent directly by the Baltimore County West Democratic Slate to benefit Kamenetz's campaign as it also included four other successful Democratic candidates including Sen. Delores Kelley, Dels. Adrienne Jones and Shirley Nathan-Pulliam and County Councilman-elect Tom Quirk.

The Better Baltimore County Slate had a much more apparent effect as it's sole purpose appears to be getting Kamenetz elected county executive. The slate spent more than $500,000 on Kamenetz's behalf.

During the primary campaign, the slate raised nearly $182,000. About 95 percent of that came from retiring Democratic Councilman Vince Gardina.

During the primary, the slate spent more than $74,000, mostly on direct mailings many considered negative attacks on Bartenfelder. The slate also funded a website, JoeBartenfelder.info, that contained several negative statements against Bartenfelder including one in which Sen. Delores Kelley accused Bartenfelder of being racially insensitive.

During the general election campaign, the slate took in more than $354,000, including $100,000 from Councilman John Olszewski Sr. and a $220,000 transfer from Kamenetz himself. The slate then spent $461,000 on radio and television commercials.

By contrast, Holt belonged to just one slate—the Reform Baltimore County slate with Councilman Bryan McIntire and Councilmen-elect Todd Huff and David Marks.

Much of the $100,000 transfer through the slate from McIntire to Holt appears to have helped pay off $90,000 of the $95,000 loan Holt made to his own campaign.


This story was updated to correct an error related to the amount Kamenetz spent during his primary election campaign.

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