Republicans running for the Board of Supervisors seats in Chesterfield County have raised significantly more than their Democratic counterparts. All five seats are up for grabs. But money raised does not always equal a secure win.
As of Monday, the Republicans have raised almost $250,000 more than their counterparts, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
Political analyst Bob Holsworth says having more money always helps but it isn’t everything.
“What you often find in local races, is that the people who don’t have money try to use that in some fashion against their opponents.”
Holsworth says candidates who are trailing in donations will often talk about where the other candidate’s money is coming from.
“And what we find, really across the nation, is that in location elections, are real estate interests and developers are often very large funders of candidates.”
In these local Chesterfield races, the Home Builders Association of Virginia has donated a total of over $40,000 to four out of the five Republican candidates
Incumbents Chris Winslow of the Clover Hill District and Leslie Haley of the Midlothian District have raised the most money. Generally, incumbents tend to raise more money, says Holsworth. However, incumbent and Democrat Jim Holland of the Dale District is trailing his Republican opponent Tammy Rideout by almost $900.
Ian Stewart/VPM News
