FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: David Schecter
Tuesday, October 07, 2008	559-307-7250

Swearengin Fundraising Tops Opponent Again

(Fresno) - In the latest campaign finance reports released October 6th 2008, Ashley Swearengin again outraised rival Henry T. Perea, continuing her strong fundraising which has bested Perea in every single reporting period.  

For the period ending September 30th, Swearengin raised $269,275, topping Perea by over $20,000.  Swearengin's donors looked like a cross section of Fresno area voters, while Perea again relied heavily upon labor unions and outside money. 

In the wake of his slower fundraising, Henry T. Perea also announced this week he is refusing to participate in a major campaign appearance with Ashley Swearengin - the ABC 30 debate scheduled to be recorded October 22.  This is a much anticipated event in Fresno mayoral races, and Henry's cancellation this week signals his campaign's new strategy of avoiding one-on-one appearances with the well-versed Swearengin.  The Swearengin campaign was informed by ABC30 of the Perea camp's refusal yesterday. 

"Henry has had a difficult time keeping pace at these public forums, and it's hurt him in this race," said Swearengin campaign spokesman David Schecter.  "It's a shame that someone who keeps inviting people to ‘look at the record' is running from his own right now." 

To date, Swearengin has agreed to over a dozen joint appearances and debates either on television, on radio, or in front of community groups and was looking forward to all of the upcoming debates. 

"Ashley has been so involved in job creation and the city's economy, that she easily and comfortably discusses even the most detailed inner workings of the city," added Dick Johanson, past President of the Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce.  "She's clearly prepared, and that comes out in these forums, while Henry has been looking uniformed and ill-prepared to lead." 

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