Campaign cash flows to candidate Cohen

City Council candidate Andrew Cohen continues to outpace opponents Cliff Stanton and Shelley Keeling in the race to replace Councilman Oliver Koppell.

Mr. Cohen’s campaign raised $16,000 between mid-January and the March 15 filing date, bringing his total to $81,177. Mr. Stanton’s campaign raised $7,000 in that time, bringing his total to $53,363. Ms. Keeling raised $785 in that period, bringing her total to $1,935.

Mr. Cohen, the organizational favorite who has the backing of many local elected officials, a few Democratic mayoral candidates and the influential Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club in his bid for the District 11 seat, said he was thrilled with what he’s raised so far. In the most recent period, he’s received sizable contributions from labor unions, as well as a $1,000 check from Assemblyman Carl Heastie, the head of the Bronx Democratic County Committee.

Mr. Cohen said he is approaching the end of his big fundraising push and looks forward to hitting the streets as the weather warms.

“I plan to go out and knock on every door and ring every bell,” he said.

Mr. Stanton said he was not surprised at Mr. Cohen’s fundraising given the “flurry of endorsements for him,” and said he expected his opponent to have the lead in terms of money.

“I’m still encouraged,” he said of his campaign’s recent filing. “It’s not Andy Cohen money, but I’m still encouraged … people still believe in me. They are confident that I can win this thing.”

Mr. Stanton said he plans to host more fundraisers and that he’s “on the phone constantly trying to drum up money.”

Ms. Keeling said she’s excited about the support she’s had and was optimistic she could raise more.

“If I raise $2,000 this time, the next time I’m going to shoot for $10,000,” she said, adding that she’s only hosted one fundraiser so far and plans to have one every month going forward. 

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