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TROY The Democratic candidate for Rensselaer County executive has raised $27,200 for the race, according to records on the state Board of Elections website.

Andrea Smyth entered the race about a month after the two Republican candidates. Her treasury draws on personal contributions; family support; donations by elected Democrats and a loan.

Smyth's initial treasury of $27,212 falls between Deputy County Executive Christopher Meyer receiving $80,720 and the $14,750 taken in by state Assemblyman Steven McLaughlin. Meyer and McLaughlin are trying to win the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines for the November election.

County Democrats had not planned to run a campaign for county executive, a job with a $121,300 salary. But when Republican County Executive Kathleen Jimino opted not to run for a fifth term, the Democrats looked for a candidate before finding Smyth, who is executive director of the New York State Coalition for Children's Behavioral Health.

Democratic leaders said they hope to see Meyer and McLaughlin both appear on the November ballot, possibly splitting Republican support. Democrats said they believe this would allow the party to take advantage of its enrollment edge over the Republicans. The Democrats enjoy an enrollment advantage over the Republicans in the county by 32,463 to 26,128. There are 31,469 unaffiliated voters in the county. Republicans have relied on a strategy of obtaining minor party lines to cut into Democratic support.

Smyth has not yet held any fund raising events. She gave her campaign $4,500; family members provided $2,810; Democratic committees contributed $5,250; the campaign committee received a $9,000 loan; and the remaining $5,662 came from other donations.

The only campaign expense for Smyth so far is $11.95 for bank fees, according to the statement. Meyer has spent $10,676 and McLaughlin, $3,088.

The campaign disclosure forms show that Meyer has $70,043 on hand; Smyth has $27,200; and McLaughlin has $11,661.

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Rensselaer County Democrat raises $27212 in executive race - Albany Times Union