The latest campaign finance statements show a lot of money in the race for next mayor of New Orleans has gone mostly to one candidate. But a lot of time is left on the clock.
Councilmember Helena Moreno, so far the only announced candidate for the mayor's election later this year, raised more than $800,000 last year and has nearly $1 million in cash on hand. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says throwing your hat in the ring early has advantages.
"Until someone officially announces, donors tend to keep their money in their purses, so to speak, because they don't want to throw money at someone who winds up not running," he said.
And in New Orleans' municipal elections, it's the race for mayor that brings in the biggest donors.
New Orleans city councilmember Oliver Thomas reports around $200,000 cash on hand, and says he will announce his intentions for the mayor's office by Mardi Gras.
And there will be more, says political analyst Clancy DuBos:
"Between now and May, we'll see a lot more announcements, but let's bear in mind, that sometimes a candidate can get in at the last minute, or relatively late in the game," said DuBos.
With many of the city's rich and powerful enjoying Mardi Gras, is this an opportunity for candidates and would-be candidates to make an impression on them?
"I think Mardi Gras is a time when a lot of the people in New Orleans with money tend to focus on Mardi Gras, not so much on political fundraising," said DuBos. "But it offers candidates a chance to get in parades and be seen by the public."