Ross numbers could change trajectory of gubernatorial primary

For a first-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate in deeply blue Maryland, Alec Ross’ reported campaign finance numbers may surprise many, giving him the boost needed to jump ahead in the seven-person field.

Ross’ 251-page submitted report shows that the former state department official and tech guru raised $1, 057,246.94 from April 2017 to Jan. 2018.

The campaign’s cash on hand stands at $444,922.70, spending $612,324.24 on salaries, “other compensation,” rent and field expenses, media and direct mailing.

Alec Ross 2017/18 Campaign Finance Report by Ryan Miner on Scribd

While recent polling has shown that Ross hasn’t broken more than 5% among Maryland Democrats, his robust campaign finance report could paint a different picture in the eyes of Democratic primary voters; and his latest report may have the potential to change the trajectory of the race if other candidates fail to post respectable numbers.

An internal Hogan campaign memo released yesterday to A Miner Detail and other media outlets states that Hogan’s finance report will show that he and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford (R) raised together $5.4 million in 2017 and have $9 million cash on hand.

The Washington Post reported yesterday that Baltimore attorney Jim Shea of the powerful Venable law firm announced Tuesday that he raised more than $2 million since launching his Democratic gubernatorial bid.

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker announced last Friday that his gubernatorial campaign raised over $1 million in 2017. Polls show that Baker is the prohibitive frontrunner among the Democrats vying to take on Gov. Hogan.

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz is also expected to post an impressive finance report.

Wednesday at midnight is the deadline for Maryland candidates to submit their campaign finance reports to the state Board of Elections.

As of Wednesday morning, several of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates have not posted their reports.