(Nov. 19, 2005) -- 3d district City Council candidate Gary DeLong's campaign says it raised over $20,000 at a fundraiser at the offices of the Keesal, Young & Logan law firm on November 15, bringing the total raised this year by his campaign to over $90,000.

Mr. DeLong told LBReport.com the campaign wanted at least 50 people to show up...and about 150 did.

"I think they were there because they recognize my commitment to job creation, job protection and economic development," Mr. DeLong said. He added that over 400 people had contributed financially to the campaign so far "which I believe is reflection of widespread support throughout the 3d district community."

In a written release, the campaign said the roughly 150 people attending included "over 100 3d District residents, including members of the Belmont Shore Residents' Association, members of the Belmont Shore Business Association, and many other 3d District neighborhood and business organizations. District neighborhood and business organizations"...but didn't identify them individually.

The release also indicated members of City Hall's appointed Harbor Commission, Planning Commission, Water Commission, "Airport Advisory Commission" and other city commissions attended...but didn't identify them individually either.

The DeLong campaign letterhead lists an "Advisory Council"; we list it at the end of this article.

In his campaign's written release, Mr. DeLong said, "I continue to be overwhelmed by the strong show of grassroots support from so many people in the 3d District community. In addition, I was honored to have the support of residents from outside the 3d District who also live in the City of Long Beach and believe that Councilmembers should do not only what is best for their district, but also for the entire city."

LBReport.com didn't ask the DeLong campaign to disclose individual contributors...but unless voluntarily released early by a campaign, individual contributions during the last six months of 2005 won't be known until a required disclosure form is filed in late Jan. 06.

[LBReport.com comment: In September, LBReport.com asked Mayoral candidate Bob Foster if he'd voluntarily identify contributors attending a fundraiser at Keesal, Young & Logan later that night. He replied, "I've got to think about that, I'm not sure. Let me think about that. I'll give that some thought." Mr. Foster must be giving this a lot of thought because we haven't seen the list yet.]

The DeLong campaign release said its fundraiser's featured speaker was L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, quoted by DeLong campaign manager Steve Conley as giving "great remarks, commenting on the need for leadership and responsibility in the community, and reaffirming his support for Gary DeLong."

Mr. DeLong told LBReport.com that his priorities on the Council would be "increased public safety, greater attention to neighborhood needs, improving the business climate in Long Beach and increasing efficiency at City Hall."