The public disclosure commission's website contains an "advanced search" feature that allows us to look at data differently. I put in a query asking how many donations each candidate received from someone in Edmonds. I did not look at the position 3 race, since one of the candidates has chosen the minimum filing option.
I would argue that the number of donors from Edmonds is a better measure of campaign strength than simple money totals. You don't win by having the majority of the money, you win by having the majority of the votes.
The Position 1 race shows Michael Plunkett has almost 4 times the donors from Edmonds that Priya Cloutier has. Not surprising, since most of Priya Cloutier's cash contributions come from outside of Edmonds. Interestingly, the latest PDC filings show Michael Plunkett has clearly outpaced Priya Cloutier in terms of "Cash On Hand", mostly because of wasteful spending (including a $1200 kickoff party) by the Cloutier campaign. The Plunkett campaign seems to now have the upper hand in terms of financial and popular support.
Diane Buckshnis beat Strom Peterson in the primary, even though Peterson vastly out spent her. Looking at the Number of Donors, we can get a glimpse as to why. Diane Buckshnis has more individual donations from Edmonds residents. While her cash contributions may not be large, they are numerous.
Diane Buckshnis's primary win has also had a leveling affect on the campaign. Both Peterson and Buckshnis are at a financial tie when looking at "cash on hand." Peterson is now just recovering from a major dry spell in the month of August, while Diane keeps bringing in a steady rate of modest, but numerous contributions. This race is a close one, with Peterson's fundraising ability pit again Buckshnis's grass roots networking.
Way to go Michael and Diane! You two clearly see that winning in Edmonds means getting support from the people of Edmonds.
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