LEWISTON – Gov. John Baldacci continued his torrid rate of fundraising during the most recent reporting period, garnering more than $155,000 in a month and a half and bringing his total for the year to more than $728,000.
Baldacci, a Democrat seeking his second term, is running a traditionally financed campaign against a large field of challengers. His three biggest opponents – Republican Chandler Woodcock, Green Independent Pat LaMarche and independent Barbara Merrill – are all running publicly-financed campaigns and can’t raise money from private sources.
The reports on financing cover the period from June 2 until July 18.
The rest of the field, which includes independents John Michael, Phillip NaPier and David John Jones, reported little success in raising money.
Michael, who was denied public financing for his campaign, has an appeal pending before the state’s Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. As he awaits the outcome of the appeal, Michael did not actively raise money and reported spending just over $1,000.
David John Jones of Falmouth raised $5,530 for the period, bringing his total for the year to $8,530. He spent $2,731 and reported cash on hand of $4,149.
NaPier did not have a report on file with the ethics commission.
The publicly-financed candidates each received $400,000 for their general election campaign and could qualify for up to $1.2 million each if Baldacci or third-party groups exceed the spending limit.
Of the $155,000, about half of it was raised before the June 13 primary, meaning it won’t count toward the trigger for matching money for Baldacci’s opponents in the general election.
Contributions are capped at $500.
The majority of Baldacci’s contributions came from individuals, with only a handful of businesses or political action committees listed during the period.
The donor list is heavily populated by lawyers, professors and government workers, including several members of Baldacci’s cabinet.
Two hundred eleven contributors gave $500 during the period; 146 gave $50 or less.
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