Kerry cuts debts, eyes run in 2000

By Jill Zuckman, Globe Staff, January 23, 1999

Senator John F. Kerry has nearly wiped out his campaign debts from the 1996 election, according to papers that will be filed next week with the Federal Election Commission.

By whittling down the debt, Kerry said he is in a position to decide whether to engage in a presidential bid, as well as the fund-raising that comes with a national campaign.

According to the documents, Kerry raised $1.2 million from 4,400 donors for the second half of 1998, and a total of $2.9 million during the last 18 months. During the past six months, he received donations from more than 1,400 first-time contributors, said William Elsbree, Kerry's campaign treasurer.

Kerry said he expects to wipe out the remaining $480,000 debt during the first quarter of 1999. He also said he would expand his fund-raising operation, bringing in an additional person to work with Peter Maroney, who used to raise money for former US Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II.

"I feel elated, relieved," Kerry said yesterday.

Kerry said he has continued to hold meetings with friends and advisers to discuss a presidential run. One concern, he said, is whether his donors overlap with Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley, diminishing his ability to raise enough money.