The State Rep Race: The Money

We said we'd just edit an old post on campaign finance, but we're liars in the end. Here's the entire lowdown:

We were surprised to see no one has raised more than Republican Edward Niemczura, who raised $15,475. Yeah, $15,000 is from the candidate himself, so it's not an indication of any kind of grassroots support, but the guy is in it for real at this point.

He's also spent just about all of it, going through over $12,900. He has about $2,532 left, but we expect he'll be shelling out more at some point. No help from the state party yet, either. Considering it's an open seat, is the state GOP so weak it can't throw a grand or two in this guy's direction? It's that just an admission of statewide legislative defeat if it doesn't?

On Niemczura's heels is Steve DiNatale, with $13,061 raised this period, $7,221 spent, and $7,429 remaining, far more than anyone else. DiNatale got contributions from FSC President Robert Antonucci, Sheriff Guy Glodis (and his committee), Rep. Emile Goguen, and Brian Knuttilla (and his committee).

David LeBlanc has raised $2,200, $1,800 from himself. He has $744 left. We discussed Mayor Mary Whitney before, who raised $7,934 and spent $6,031. That leaves her $1,903.

No surprise DiNatale is in the lead on the Democratic side. He's been better across the board so far, so why should that change? We're intrigued by Niemczura, however, and wonder if he's going to be throwing more cash into the pot come October. If so, the Democratic winner is going to have to keep up.