.jpg)
Joe Jordan | Nebraska Watchdog
OMAHA — If you’re wondering how much it costs to run for the city council this spring try this price-tag on for size: $145,000.
That’s how much incumbent Democratic councilman Pete Festersen has raised in his battle with Republican Ed Truemper.
Pete Festersen has already raised $145,000 to keep his city council seat. The primary election is in April
Truemper, who isn’t saying how much he’s raised — the first filing deadline is Jan. 31 — tells Nebraska Watchdog that Festersen’s war chest is “huge” and calls him “a favorite of special interests.”
Truemper is running to unseat one term incumbent councilman Pete Festersen
Festersen, who filed his report this week, argues his support is “broad based …Republican and Democrat.”
Among Festersen’s GOP backers are former Kiewit CEO Walter Scott ($1,500) and former Speaker of the Legislature Kermit Brashear ($500).
When Festersen, the former deputy chief of staff to ex-Mayor Mike Fahey, first ran for the council in 2009 he spent $62,000.
Council members Chris Jerram and Jean Stothert — Stothert is now running for mayor — were the two biggest spenders who won in 2009.
According to state records Stothert, a Republican, shelled out $134,000 while Democrat Jerram spent $108,000.
It’s doubtful Festersen is done raising money. The primary is still three months away.
Contact Joe Jordan at joe@nebraskawatchdog.org
To subscribe to news updates from Nebraska Watchdog at no charge, click here.
