Trujillo tops District 6 candidates in fundraising

Karen Trujillo is, thus far, the top fundraiser among candidates vying to be the next District 6 representative on the Las Cruces City Council.

The first of two reports from each candidate was due on Thursday. You can view the reports by clicking here.

Trujillo, a real-estate broker and president of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces, reported raising $9,555 and spending $9,600.50. She had a number of contributions of $250 or less, many from prominent members of the Las Cruces business community, and a $3,500 contribution from her husband, who is also her campaign treasurer.

Second in fundraising was Sharon Thomas, former head of the Quality Growth Alliance. She reported raising $6,132.53 and spending $4,184.84. Contributions included a $2,000 gift to her own campaign, gifts of $200 or less from many people involved in the “smart growth” movement, $75 from state Rep. Nate Cote and $25 from state Rep. Jeff Steinborn.

Third was Lawrence Joy, the owner of a direct mail advertising firm and the voice of New Mexico State University’s marching band. He raised $2,250, including an $1,800 loan he made to his own campaign, and spent $2,159.77.

Fourth was Berchard Ray Shipley, a former planning commission member for a city in California, who raised $1,100, including a $1,000 loan he made to his own campaign, and spent $746.12.

Fifth was former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Curran, who contributed $205.68 to his own campaign and has also spent that amount.

The election will be held on Jan. 15. Early and absentee voting are underway. The second financial report isn’t due until Feb. 15.