May 29, 2026

Following the money in the Rhinebeck supervisor primary

21 minutes

The Daily Catch reviewed the latest campaign finance filings in the Rhinebeck Democratic primary for town supervisor, and reporter Claire Greenberger joins Emily Sacker to explain what the records show heading into the June 23rd primary.

Amanda Miller reported a little over $15,000 in contributions to Debbie Hecht's roughly $8,700, but Miller is largely self-funding through herself, her husband, and her law firm. Narrow it to registered Rhinebeck Democrats who can actually vote in June, and Hecht holds the edge, about $1,800 to Miller's $850, with more small-dollar local donors.

Greenberger also explains the $5,000 donation to Hecht from artist and philanthropist Carolyn Marks Blackwood, which exceeded New York's $1,000 individual limit by $4,000. Hecht's treasurer had told her there were no limits; once Greenberger confirmed the rule, Hecht returned the excess within the hour and hand-delivered the check. Miller's campaign called it a leadership and experience problem, Hecht pushed back on Miller's spending, and the exchange marked the first real edge in a race that had stayed civil. Plus: where the out-of-town money is coming from, what the donors care about, and why fundraising totals is not likely to predict the winner.

Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

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