Despite raising twice as much in campaign funds as his opponent, Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue finds his campaign organization is in debt. And his supporters are taking the unusual step of planning a poker party to help out.

The deficit is a little more than $45,000, according to campaign finance records, but more like $35,000 right now, according to Donohue's campaign manager.

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So the Donohue for Mayor Committee is teaming with NESTech to hold the "Great City Poker Tournament" on May 3 at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds.

An entry fee of $175 buys cocktails, dinner and a chance to draw a straight against the mayor. A $1,000 contribution buys a sponsorship and two seats at the poker table. And the lucky winner will walk away with the champion's silver belt buckle, while the top players have a shot at winning unspecified, non-cash prizes.

Donohue has never played poker -- "Every time I try to learn, my son kicks me out of the room," he said -- but says when his supporters told him what the fundraiser could earn, "it was a no-brainer."

Chris Steinbruner, a partner in a Monterey CPA firm and manager of Donohue's campaign, said the committee hopes to raise $15,000 at the event.

"It was an expensive campaign and we need to finish paying everyone up. They told me how much this could bring in, and, well, plus is better than minus," Donohue said.

According to campaign finance records filed with the City Clerk's office, Donohue's campaign had earned $220,035.48 by the end of 2006, and spent $284,489.21.

While he received great support in Monterey County, some notable contributions came from the Bay Area: $5,000 from Danville-based Braddock & Logan Homes; $2,000 from Pulte Homes of Pleasanton; and $2,500 from John McDonnell, a trust and estates lawyer from Oakland.

Donohue defeated former Salinas City Councilwoman Maria Giuriato in last November's election, winning 69.9 percent of the vote to Giuriato's 29.9 percent.

Source: Business Journal