Teach for America director out-raises union leader
COLUMBUS — A Teach for America leader out-raised presumptive frontrunner Brigid Kelly in the second half of 2015 in an expensive, six-way primary to replace term-limited Rep. Denise Driehaus.
Ben Lindy, founding executive director of Teach for America of Southwest Ohio, raised nearly $103,000 from July 19 to Dec. 31. About $58,000 came from Cincinnati area donors and $42,000 came from contributors outside Ohio. They included Teach for America colleagues, relatives, attorneys and educators, according to campaign finance records. His median contribution was $100 and he has more than $86,000 on hand in the crowded, six-way Democratic primary.
"I have really enjoyed working hard to find support where I can find it," Lindy said. "I don’t give up."
Kelly, a former Norwood city councilwoman and union leader, raised $47,495 in the second half of 2015 from Democratic leaders like Norwood Mayor Tom Williams, former Rep. Wayne Coates, former Mayor Mark Mallory and current Rep. Kathleen Clyde. She has nearly $95,000 on hand and her median contribution was $50.
The next closest competitor was Brian Garry, who owns Clifton-based construction company Green City EcoStruction. He raised $4,425 from 25 contributors since July; all but one donation was from the Cincinnati area and the median contribution was $50. Garry ran unsuccessfully for Cincinnati City Council in 2003 and 2007.Teach for America director out-raises union leader: