Berryhill shuffling own cash in, out of war chest

By Michael Doyle
mdoyle@mcclatchydc.com

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WASHINGTON -- Republican congressional candidate Michael Berryhill keeps cycling his own money in and out of his uphill campaign against Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced.

Berryhill has not fared well in raising money from others, newly filed campaign statements show. The former Turlock Irrigation District and Ceres school board member reported raising only $11,555 from May 20 to June 30.

During the same period, Cardoza reported raising $117,939. Cardoza is seeking re-election to his fifth term representing the 18th Congressional District, which includes portions of Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced and Fresno counties.

Although Berryhill has failed to connect with outside donors, he has been aggressive in shifting around his own money. His timing appears to be tactical, pegged to campaign reporting deadlines.

On March 30, records show, Berryhill loaned his campaign $225,000. The loan came on the second-to-last day of a reporting period and enabled his campaign to report having cash on hand. Five days later, after the reporting deadline passed, the campaign repaid Berryhill.

On May 19, the last day of the next reporting period, records show Berryhill again loaned his campaign $225,000. Again, the loan enabled his campaign to report having cash on hand. Two days later, after the reporting deadline passed, the campaign paid back Berryhill.

On June 28, two days before the conclusion of the most recent reporting period, Berryhill loaned his campaign $125,000. The stated due date was June 28, the same day as the loan itself, although no payment had been made by the time the reporting period ended June 30.