Republican gubernatorial candidate Oz Griebel has raised $300,000 since declaring his candidacy two months ago, his campaign announced Tuesday.
Griebel was the only candidate to release fundraising results for the first quarter, which ended March 31. No reports have to be filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission until April 12.
Republican Mark Boughton said today he had more than 500 donors, but his campaign still was tabulating the results.
Griebel and Boughton are playing in two different fund-raising arenas.
Boughton is participating in the Citizens Election Program, which provides public financing to qualifying candidates. He is limited to contributions of no more than $100, but could eventually receive a public grant of $1.25 million for the Republican primary.
Griebel, who has opted out of the program and is raising his funds privately, can accept contributions of up to $3,500. The early front-runner, Tom Foley, also is not seeking public financing.
“Oz’s financial performance ensures we will have the necessary resources to operate a robust and aggressive voter contact program, reaching delegates many times between now and the convention,” said his campaign manager, Ashley Maagero.
At a maximum of $100, Boughton’s 500 donations at most could have yielded $50,000. To qualify for public financing, Boughton must raise $250,000.
“We’re going to qualify. I’m not worried about that. However, it is very, very difficult to do this,” Boughton said.
A bill pending in the legislature would raise the limit from $100 to $500.
In the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Ned Lamont has opted out of the public financing program and intends to heavily rely on his own money. The other Democratic contenders are seeking public financing.
No one in either party has reached the $250,000 qualifying threshold.