(CHANDLER, AZ) — This week, Ed Hermes, candidate for County Supervisor in District 1, submitted his first campaign fundraising report to the Maricopa County Elections Department. Hermes raised almost $65,000. His fundraising nearly doubled the incumbent’s in the first reporting period of the campaign season, a period from January 1st to May 31st, 2008. His opponent, a 12-year incumbent, raised only $34,000, and spent $15,000 mostly on consultants and paid signature gatherers. Unlike his opponent, Hermes did not pay signature gatherers, but relied on volunteers and supporters to collect the needed signatures.

    “We have a true grassroots operation, with over five hundred donors to date and dozens of volunteers working on this campaign. It’s a sign that the East Valley wants leadership at the County Board of Supervisors,” said Hermes. With more than five hundred donors to date, Hermes has more than four times as many donors as his opponent, who received contributions from around one hundred persons.

    “This campaign is truly being funded and supported by the citizens of District 1. We’re not spending thousands to buy signatures. We’re relying on everyday people from the East Valley who are ready for a change,” said Hermes.

                                    ###