MEMPHIS, TN -
If Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton retires next Friday, July 10, the field of candidates running to replace him could get quite crowded. The race may become a race to raise the most money. Several of the candidates said they might not be able to raise as much money has they could have a few years ago, but everyone has a goal of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to try to become the next mayor of Memphis.
“You'll hear some politicians say money doesn't matter. Those are usually the politicians that can't raise money. Money does matter in politics because it allows you to get your message out,” said City Council member Jim Strickland. Strickland is considering running for mayor.
All of the mayoral hopefuls we spoke with have run campaigns before and know it's going to take money to get their message to voters in just 90 days.
“I'm a super district representative, I was able to raise far more than my competitors. I was on T.V. radio. I think I have a track record of being able to raise money. Both of those were 90 day races,” said City Council member Kemp Conrad. Conrad is considering running for mayor.
“They need a lot of money because they have to pay for a lot of things. I have a campaign where they are asking to be paid, they are asking for leadership,” said Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey. Harvey says he was planning on running for mayor in 2011, and is now moving his campaign up.
It's rumored that Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton has already raised about $250,000. He did not return our phone calls.
“In the Kentucky Derby the front runner didn't win, in the Belmont the woman won,” said mayoral candidate Carol Chumney.
Former city council member Chumney was able to raise $250,000 in her last mayoral run. She is hoping to raise $400,000 this time.
“I think our goal is more because there are more things we would like to do to get our message out to viewers. We wouldn't have to spend a dime and still win this election,” Chumney said.
“What I need to know is do I have a clear path to raise enough money to do it. I think it's going to be at least $200,000. Do I have a clear path to raise $200,000 to run in this election?” Strickland said.
“I would love to raise $100,000. I can win this campaign with $100,000,” Harvey said.
“I think it needs to be more than I raised last time, anywhere between $200-300,000,” Conrad said.
Mayor Pro Tempore, Myron Lowery says he's not going to worry about raising money until it's time. Those we talked to say they didn't start raising money until Mayor Herenton announced he was retiring, that was last Thursday, June 25, 2009. They also say they are raising money the old fashioned way, by calling people and asking for financial support.
The candidates say they are planning on spending their money on campaign signs, any staff, and television and radio advertising.
