Va. Beach mayor builds massive war chest

VIRGINIA BEACH

Mayor Will Sessoms has raised a campaign war chest of about $216,000 in the past six months, more than all the City Council candidates on November's ballot combined. And Sessoms isn't even up for election this year.

Sessoms, who spent more than half a million dollars in 2008 to defeat long time Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, ramped up his fundraising this year, collecting several checks of $5,000 from developers, hotel owners and other business leaders.

With this money, Sessoms is in a unique position to influence the outcome of the upcoming council races and help determine who will serve alongside him.

Sessoms said he started raising money to get a head start on his 2012 campaign.

"I would be in a panic attack if I had to raise that much money at one time," Sessoms said.

He also plans to use a portion of the money to help other council candidates. He would not say what portion of his funds would go to other campaigns. He has already written checks of $1,000 to congressional candidates and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim. The state puts no limit on how much money individuals can contribute.

When Sessoms geared up his fundraising machine last winter, a few council members privately voiced concern that the mayor could have too much sway in this November's elections.

"Historically, the mayor doesn't do that," Councilman Bill DeSteph, who is running for re-election to the at-large seat, said last week.

DeSteph and Sessoms have had disagreements over issues such as the budget and developments. Sessoms said he plans to make a decision in September of whether to endorse and contribute money to anybody in the at-large race.

"If he stays out, I guess it would help me. If he gets in, it would hurt me," DeSteph said. "Unless he decides to support me."

Councilwoman Barbara Henley likely will be a recipient of some money, Sessoms said.

Henley, who is in a head-to-head race against attorney Tanya Bullock, has raised only $300, according to the latest campaign finance reports.

Sessoms has already tried to introduce Henley to his set of donors, especially in the business community. She gave the opening remarks at Sessoms' fundraiser in June.

Bullock said Sessoms can support any candidate he wants.

"I believe that citizens elect their candidates not on

how much money they raised, but on the issue," Bullock said.

John Ainslie, a builder and Sessoms contributor, said he supports the mayor's use of his campaign money to back other council candidates who support his agenda.

Sessoms has worked to bring the region together and bring high-speed rail to the area, Ainslie said.

"I believe he's a good consensus builder," Ainslie said.

Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com