In what is so far one of Tampa’s most competitive fundraising battles for city council candidates, incumbent Harry Cohen is just out-raising his opponent Kent King. Cohen has so far brought in $48,450 while King, a relative outsider, has managed to raise $35,587.
The latest fundraising numbers for October were released this week. During that month, Cohen brought in $5,200 and King $3,456. Both candidates’ fundraising efforts seemed to have slowed after peaks in August and September when Cohen brought in more than $30,000 and King more than $21,000.
King, who is the development manager for the Tampa Atlantic division of Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, got one maximum $1,000 contribution from investor Stewart Bertron. He also raked in $500 contributions from Gator Ford and Alfonso Architects. King spent a little over $7,200 during October. Most of that was on a stay at the Tampa Marriott Waterside.
Cohen matched his opponent’s auto dealership contribution with one of his own from Elder Ford. TECO and Kathy Castor Chief of Staff Clay Phillips also kicked in $500. Cohen didn’t receive a single contribution during the month of October for less than $100. He only spent just over $20 on processing fees.
