D.C. Councilwoman Carol Schwartz’s lone challenger in the Republican primary raised a stunning $50,000 in two weeks from a slate of powerful GOP business and political leaders, a signal that Schwartz faces a nomination fight like never before.
Patrick Mara, 33, a government relations manager, collected $50,125 since starting his campaign for Schwartz’s at-large council seat on May 27, according to his June 10 filing with the Office of Campaign Finance. The Columbia Heights resident, a former Senate staffer, spent less than $200.
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Mara’s donors include Terry Golden, chairman of the Federal City Council and of Bailey Capital Corp., Tucker Eskew, a top aide to President Bush, and David Julyan, a powerful local lawyer. He has received thousands of dollars from parking firms, from developers and other D.C. businesses.
“I think they’re tired of the four-term incumbent, to be honest with you,” Mara said Wednesday. “She isn’t being very representative of the entrepreneur types in D.C. and frankly she’s not being representative of Republicans in D.C.”
Schwartz, who has not faced a serious primary challenge ever, started her re-election campaign on Monday. Her announcement message was forwarded in an e-mail by the D.C. Republican Committee, accompanied by a statement from Chairman Robert Kabel touting the councilwoman’s “strong record and long history advocating the interests of all D.C. residents.”
“I am a legitimate challenger and it’s unfortunate the D.C. GOP is inappropriately using their resources to help her,” Mara responded.
Schwartz may have forfeited some private sector support earlier this year when she crafted legislation guaranteeing paid sick days to most private sector employees. Business leaders, including the D.C. Chamber, promised “consequences.”
“No one has ever raised significant money to challenge Carol and $50,000 in what will be a low turnout election is a lot of money that can go a long way,” said Chuck Thies, a D.C. political operative. “This guy is serious.”
Schwartz’s late start in the race is par for the course, she said, as she’s “busy doing my job and I hate asking for money.” She said she has a long list of people who want to throw fundraisers for her. But is she losing Republican support?
“The election will decide that,” Schwartz said. “I don’t know.”
