Kelly Tweaks Lierman on Finances

District 16 House candidate Ariana Kelly has sent out an email on her finances that is obviously directed at open seat rival Kyle Lierman. Without naming him, Kelly makes clear that she has raised as much money (although including a loan), spent less and has more cash on hand than Lierman. The conventional wisdom has been that Kelly would have more endorsements, but Lierman would have more money. It appears that that is not the case at the moment, although another finance report is due in early September. Following is Kelly's email.

Delegate Candidate Ariana Kelly Brings In More, Spends Less

$106,994 of Inflows Since May, $77,024 Cash on Hand in Competitive Maryland House Race

Ariana Kelly, candidate for the open House of Delegates seat in Maryland's District 16, has brought in $106,994 for her campaign committee since May. In addition to a loan from the candidate, Kelly’s campaign raised funds from nearly 200 donors, including numerous donations from people who have worked with Kelly over her career. Kelly reported no contributions from corporations, PACs, or other campaign committees. Her parents together gave $421. Her grandmother gave $33.

Kelly, a non-profit executive and seasoned manager, is running an efficient campaign. Including in-kind contributions, Kelly has spent only $29,970 as of August 10, leaving her with $77,024 cash on hand heading into the last four weeks of the campaign.

Ariana Kelly is a fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidate who will continue her track record of making responsible budget decisions in Annapolis.

Kelly has been endorsed by a wide range of public interest organizations, as well as current and former elected officials. Her supporters include the Montgomery County Education Association, Maryland State Education Association, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, Sierra Club of Maryland, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Montgomery Women, Equality Maryland, SEIU Local 500, Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association, and Women's Campaign Forum. She has also been endorsed by Maryland Delegates Jeffrey Waldstreicher (D-18) and Kathleen Dumais (D-15), and by former Maryland Senators Sharon Grosfeld and Mary Boergers.

Kelly currently directs the Environmental Health Campaign for MomsRising,org, a million member advocacy organization working to build a more family-friendly country. She is also the former Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland and former Executive Producer for PBS' weekly news program To The Contrary.

Kelly was born and raised in Maryland's District 16. She and her husband Barak live in Bethesda with their two children.