Ron Dellums’ war chest filling up fast
in Oakland mayoral race

By Associated Press

Former Rep. Ron Dellums has raised more money in recent months than his leading opponent in the race for Oakland mayor, and backers say the veteran liberal politician is gaining momentum despite his late entry into the hotly contested race.
    Dellums, 69, has raised $140,500 since entering the campaign in October, compared to the $54,255 that City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente raised in the last six months of the year, according to state campaign finance records.
    A third candidate, Councilwoman Nancy Nadel, brought in $20,081 during the same period.
   “I think it’s indicative of his explosion of support,” Parke Skelton, Dellums’ campaign consultant said. “Since his entry into the race, people from all over have called to help any way they can.”
    But Dellums, a liberal Democrat who represented Oakland and Berkeley in Congress for 27 years until retiring in 1998, still has far to go if he wants to catch up with De La Fuente’s total war chest of $367,136.
    Larry Tramutola, De La Fuente’s campaign manager, said he’s not worried that Dellums was able to pool so much money so quickly.
   “At the end of the day, it’s not about how much money they have or we have, it’s about how well the candidates campaign,” Tramutola said. “I am confident Ignacio will do an excellent job presenting a vision for the city and informing voters of what he’s done.”
    Backers believe that Dellums, who is black, could help unite the diverse city. He agreed to come out of retirement after more than 8,000 people signed a petition urging him to run.
    Oakland’s current mayor, Jerry Brown, is being forced from office by term limits.