Favola, Areizaga-Soto: New Money, Same Sources

The brutal state Senate Democratic primary battle between Barbara Favola and Jaime Areizaga-Soto is getting more expensive, according to pre-election contribution disclosures filed Monday.

Since July 1, Favola, an Arlington County Board member, received a substantial amount of cash from state Democratic leadership, and Areizaga-Soto continued to pour thousands of dollars of his own money into his campaign.

Favola received a $25,000 loan from retiring state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, a $5,000 contribution from outgoing Sen. Patsy Ticer, and another $2,463 in-kind donation from Whipple, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

That's added to the donations Favola already has received from party leaders -- including Whipple, the Senate Democratic Caucus chairwoman ($17,250); Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw ($17,000); and Sen. Janet Howell, who led Senate redistricting efforts ($10,000).

Meanwhile, Areizaga-Soto, an attorney, loaned himself $70,000 since the second quarter disclosure statement. Add that to the $160,000 Areizaga-Soto already has put into his war own chest.

As of Wednesday, Favola had about $35,000 cash on hand; Areizaga-Soto, about $47,000, according to the most recent data available.

Between now and the Aug. 23 primary, candidates are required to disclose all donations of $1,000 or more by 5 p.m. the day after they are received.