DiNatale Takes the First Step

According to the on-line shop at the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Stephen DiNatale has created a campaign committee. We presume it's for a run for state representative this fall.

According to OCPF, DiNatale created the committee on Jan. 18, with Joseph Selomito signed on as treasurer. That's over three weeks before Emile Goguen announced he was not running for re-election this fall.

DiNatale is the only candidate of the "Big Three" -- including himself, Mayor Dan Mylott and former Mayor Mary Whitney -- to create a campaign committee so far. Those who create a committee must file monthly reports if and when they bring in donations or make expenditures. There was no January report for DiNatale, which means either the system is a bit behind (it happens) or DiNatale didn't bring in any cash (a strong, strong possibility).

Clearly, it looks like DiNatale is eager to move. While this gives him no real advantage, it does make him the first to really step into the role of candidate. We'll be interested to see when other folks take the step to more formally become a candidate.