FEC releases final financial reports for 5th District

By Sarah Arkin

Published: December 9, 2008

Final financial reports from the Federal Election Commission show that while presumptive Congressman-elect Tom Perriello raised slightly more money, Congressman Virgil Goode spent more than his Democratic challenger in this year’s campaign.

In terms of total money spent on each campaign, though, Perriello benefited from independent organizations.

According to the reports filed Friday, Perriello raised about $10,000 more than Goode with $1,795,037 to the six-term incumbent’s $1,786,568. When it came to disbursements, Goode spent $1,892,711, roughly $80,000 more than Perriello, who spent $1,781,980.

The State Board of Elections has certified Perriello as the winner of the 5th District election by a 745-vote margin, but a recount at Goode’s request is set for Dec. 16-17.

If the vote stands, Perriello will enter Congress with $29,516 in debt for his campaign, according to FEC reports.

During the campaign, each candidate took turns criticizing the other’s fundraising base. Goode blasted Perriello’s donors as out of state big-name Democrats, while Perriello criticized Goode for accepting corporate political action committee (PAC) money.

About 28.5 percent of Goode’s funds came from corporate and non-corporate PACs, while about 10 percent of Perriello’s funds came from non-corporate PACs.

Challengers very rarely raise more money than incumbents, and analysts and Goode say Perriello’s fundraising ability helped make him a serious contender this election season.

In addition, organizations not directly affiliated with Perriello’s campaign gave the Ivy Democrat a phenomenal financial edge. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and My Rural America spent about $1.15 million on advertising either for Perriello or against Goode. By contrast, groups supporting Goode, including the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Right to Life Committee, spent about $150,000.

As far as local donors, Perriello received $4,758 from Danville area residents, while Goode received $37,892.

At $10,000 each, Goode’s most prolific PAC donors include The American Banker’s Association in Washington, D.C., BWX Technology Inc. in Lynchburg and Dealers Election Action Committee of the National Automobile Dealers Association in McLean.

Perriello’s major non-individual contributors include: $7,000 from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington and several $5,000 contributions from organizations such as the American Association for Justice PAC based in Alexandria, United Food and Commercial Workers International, the Democrat Republican Independent Voter Education, and the Carpenter’s Legislative Improvement Committee, all based in Washington.