Seeman outraises Walsh in 112th
Assembly challenger points to receiving many small donations
Joe Seeman, the Working Families/democratic candidate for the 112th state Assembly seat, is outraising Republican incumbent Mary Beth Walsh by a more than two-to-one margin, something Seeman says he didn't expect.
State Board of Elections filings show that since Jan. 1, the Seeman campaign has raised $82,445 from 1,298 donors, while Walsh (R-ballston) has brought in $38,466 from 174 donors.
“When I entered the race, everyone told me I was crazy,” Seeman said. “You’ll be lucky to raise $20,000. Walsh has deep pockets. Walsh is an insider. I heard it over and over. But we outraised her. We demolished her.”
And Seeman plans to raise even more. On Oct. 16, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Jefferson Starship will play a Zoom benefit concert for Seeman. That will be followed by an Oct. 20 Zoom event with comedian and actor of “Orange is the New Black” Lea Delaria. The links to join the events will be available on joeseeman.com.
Walsh, who has so far this year spent $17,865 to defend her seat for a third term, said she is grateful for the support she has received in a year that has been difficult because of the pandemic.
“I wasn’t able to do a large event over the summer, like I usually do, and felt a little uncomfortable going hard on donations because I knew so many people are out of work and having difficulties,” she said. “But I was pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by the support I have gotten.”
She also said most of her funding, about 70 percent, has come from within the district.
“I think that speaks well for the campaign,” Walsh said. “I am very pleased with where I am right now.”
Seeman, a long-time activist and retired software developer for the state, said unlike Walsh he is not taking any corporate donations. Rather, he is only accepting donations from individuals. His average contribution stands at $63.52; Walsh’s, $221.07.
Seeman, who likes to call himself the underdog and a fighter, said his campaign will spend the money on literature drops, mailings and advertising. He is not yet sure if the campaign will spend on costly television ads in the leadup to Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“We are spending it wisely. We are spending it frugally,” Seeman said. “We are a grassroots operation and we are working our behinds off to get our message to the voters out there that we are working for the people, not the billionaires and the oligarchs.”