Jerry Brown reports $17-million campaign war chest

Gov. Jerry Brown hasn’t officially declared his intention to seek a fourth term as governor this year, but he has $17 million available to spend on a campaign.

Brown added $9.9 million to his reelection account during 2013, on top of the $7 million he had banked at the beginning of the year.

The report also illustrates some of the unique advantages Brown enjoys in the campaign world, after a political career that has spanned six decades. His high name recognition and deep political connections have allowed him to avoid spending large sums on consultants and fundraisers. Brown spent just $208,000 on reelection-related expenses during 2013.

The largest payments were $25,000 each to Angie Tate, a well-known Democratic fundraiser, and Edward Ruthrauff, who ran the social media efforts of Brown’s 2010 campaign and worked with First Lady Anne Gust when she was an executive at Gap Inc.

Campaign statements from Republican Tim Donnelly are due by midnight Friday. Another GOP contender, Neel Kashkari, did not establish a campaign committee until earlier this month and is not yet subject to many campaign finance disclosures.

ALSO:

Brown in unofficial campaign mode

In Salinas, Brown hears from critics

Jerry Brown urges frugality in State of the State speech

[email protected]

@anthonyyorklat