This Placer supervisors candidate is outpacing rivals, according to campaign finance reports
The first round of campaign finance reports are in for what could be a contentious race for one of Placer County’s top elected positions, and there is a clear front-runner.
Dave Butler, a former Rocklin City Councilman, reported having $52,095 in contributions since the launch of his campaign in May. His opponent Mike Murray, reported $15,308 in donations since the launch of his campaign in March.
A third candidate, Anthony DeMattei, reported $2,355.
Butler said he attributes his fundraising success to hard work and fruitful relationships.
“The fundraising success I’ve has is an indication of the broad and deep relationships I’ve developed over the years and the track record of success I’ve established,” he said.
Butler has spent $12,982 of his campaign funds leaving him with $37,391 in the bank. Murray, in turn, has spent $2,927, mostly on campaign signs, catering for a fundraiser event and a booth at the 30th Anniversary Hot Chili & Cool Cars event for voter outreach.
Matt Rexroad, a former Yolo County supervisor and Butler’s political consultant, said fundraising is an important gauge of a candidate’s success and resonance among voters.
“If you have more money in a political campaign then you have more opportunity to communicate with voters before the election and convince them to vote for you,” Rexroad said.
Candidates can use campaign funds to buy signs, posters and mailers, helping them circulate their names among potential voters.
The money essentially allows a candidate to “buy impressions,” Rexroad said.
“This report is really important because it allows political observers to gauge how hard the candidates are working,” he added.
Butler, Murray and DeMattei are vying to represent a newly drawn supervisorial district that includes Rocklin, Loomis, Penryn and Newcastle.
According to Butler’s campaign finance report, he has received an endorsement and donations from Supervisor Bonnie Gore, totaling $350. And more than $8,000 in donations from lobbying and development firms such as Lucien Partners, Teichert Construction and Domeyko Taylor Holding Co.
His expenses show Butler used campaign funds to pay for political consulting, a photographer and an event at Thunder Valley Casino and Whitney Oaks Golf Course.
Butler is endorsed by Rocklin Mayor Ken Broadway as well as state Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, and former Placer County Supervisor Kirk Uhler.
Murray has run for the 3rd District supervisor’s seat before, losing in 2020 to incumbent Jim Holmes. He has worked as a campaign manager for Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, and is well-known for going door to door for Placer County candidates during election season.
Murray, considered the grassroots candidate, was endorsed by the Placer County Republican Party. He received campaign donations from Supervisor Shanti Landon and Assemblyman Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin.
This story was originally published August 7, 2023 at 7:27 AM.