Denver Mayor Michael Hancock started January with nearly $580,000 in the bank for his re-election bid, according to his campaign filed Tuesday.
So far, is a challenger who can make him sweat.
The total in Hancock’s war chest “would be an impressive number even if there was a viable opponent,” political analyst Eric Sondermann said. “Seemingly absent a viable opponent, it’s really an insurance policy. It wards off the likelihood of such an opponent entering the race.”
That cash might not prevent a wealthy, self-funded candidate — or a well-known figure with an established base of support — from mounting an aggressive campaign.
But time is drawing short.
Hancock’s finance report shows his campaign raised $450,913.76 last year and spent $129,390.26. His heavy fundraising last year followed a $374,000 haul in contributions in 2013.
The mayor continues to raise money, including at a fundraiser inside a Five Points deli last week.
He made a forceful pitch for a second term, framing the election as the pivot point between a first term devoted to post-recession recovery — for the city’s economy and the city budget — and a second term ripe to make big gains.
“The next four years will be about smart growth and even smarter development,” Hancock told a few dozen supporters, who were asked to contribute $100 or more.
The last time a Denver mayor sought re-election, in 2007, John Hickenlooper started the year with $519,974.35 on hand, after raising $430,876 the previous year. He
This year, Hancock is in a slightly better financial position.
“The strong fundraising numbers in this year-end filing show that the people of Denver share the same optimism for Denver’s future that Michael Hancock has for this amazing home of ours,” said his campaign manager, Jake Martin, in a statement. “He loves serving them every day and he plans to kick off his re-election campaign in the weeks ahead.”
Hancock raised $1.7 million against a crowded field in 2011, including for a run-off, but he may need a fraction of that this time.
Two other potential candidates : a man named Chairman Seku, a vocal fixture at council meetings, and Marcus Giavanni, a frequent candidate (including as a write-in for governor last year).
Campaign finance reports for 2014 are due by the end of January for all candidates raising money in their bids for mayor, City Council, auditor, and clerk and recorder. They will be available .
Jon Murray: 303-954-1405, jmurray@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JonMurray
