Beutner Raises $405,000 in Prospective L.A. Mayoral Bid

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The Austin Beutner for Mayor Exploratory Committee on Wednesday said that it raised $405,034 in its first 11 weeks of operation.

Beutner’s 579 donors as of June 30 include former mayor Dick Riordan, philanthropist Eli Broad and former Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce chairman David Fleming, the committee said in its first campaign finance report filed with the City Ethics Commission. The committee also said it had $332,337 cash on hand as of that date.

Beutner, who made his fortune running a private equity firm, served as first deputy mayor for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for more than a year before resigning in April to consider a run for the office when Villaraigosa terms out in 2013.

The Beutner committee said a “cross-section of the entertainment, business and civic communities” have contributed to the potential candidacy. About $249,520 of the money raised was contributed online.

“This is the first lap in a very long race, but after just 11 weeks, we know we have a strong candidate in Austin Beutner,” Beutner consultant Sean Clegg said in a statement. “He’s put together an impressive bi-partisan group of supporters practically overnight, and it’s mostly made up of newcomers. It’s not the usual special interests at City Hall.”

Another potential contender for support from the business community support is shopping mall developer Rick Caruso, who has said he’ll decide later this year or early next year whether to run.

Among elected officials considering a run to succeed Villaraigosa are City Controller Wendy Greuel and City Councilwoman Jan Perry, both of whom have formed exploratory committees. City Councilman Eric Garcetti and L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky are reported to be considering throwing their hats into the ring but have not yet formed committees.