Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont reported Monday that he raised $342,000 in the quarter ending March 31, matching the Republican front-runner, Tom Foley.
The two Greenwich businessmen have opted out of the state’s public financing system and are raising money privately. Each can afford to also use their own money in the race.
Neither candidate’s reports were available on the state’s web site at midnight, the deadline for filing. Each campaign released a summary during the day Monday.
Foley reported raising $338,000 from individuals and had $1.5 million cash on hand.
In addition to the money raised from individuals, Lamont donated $250,000 in his own funds to his campaign, a spokeswoman said.
The financial filing should encourage Democrats, Lamont said.
“They want to know you’ll be able to compete,” Lamont said Monday night at the Democrats’ annual fundraiser, the Jefferson-Jackson-Bailey Dinner.
Among Republicans, Foley was trailed by Oz Griebel, who raised $272,276 from individuals and loaned his campaign $30,050 for total receipts of $302,326.
Foley, Griebel and Lamont can accept contributions of up to $3,500. Candidates seeking public financing are limited to contributions of no more than $1000
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, who is seeking public financing, raised $42,005 and had $23,658 cash on hand.
No report was immediately available for Lt. Gov. Michael C. Fedele. Republican Larry DeNardis raised $32,030 and had $29,170 on hand. Tom Marsh raised $2,933 and had 1,796 on hand.
Among Democrats, Lamont was trailed by Dannel P. Malloy, who issued a press release last week saying he raised $160,045 over the quarter, but nothing was on file yet.
Mary Glassman’s exploratory committee raised $131,384 and had $90,625 on hand. Juan Figueroa’s exploratory committee raised $29,239 and had $10,762 on hand. Rudy Marconi’s raised $12,220 and had $4,134 on hand. All three are seeking public financing.