Wyman raises qualifying funds for public financing

Comptroller Nancy S. Wyman, the endorsed Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, said today she has raised the $75,000 in qualifying funds necessary to obtain $375,000 in public financing for her primary with Mary Glassman.

“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from people across the state since I announced my candidacy for lieutenant governor,” Wyman said. ‘This has been a grueling and hectic process, and I am thankful for the enthusiasm that has carried us to this very important goal.”

Wyman raised the $75,000 in just five weeks. Her campaign said many of the donations came from donors who had previously contributed to $60,000 to her campaign for re-election as comptroller. Those unexpended funds had to be returned and could not be applied to her new campaign for lieutenant governor.

If her application is approved by the State Elections Enforcement Commission, Wyman will join her running mate, gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy, as the only candidates for statewide office to qualify for public financing under the Citizens’ Election Program.

The commission must certify that Wyman has raised the threshold amount in contributions of no more than $100. Malloy had to raise $250,000 to obtain a basic grant of $1.25 million, plus a supplemental grant of nearly $1 million to match spending by his primary challenger, Ned Lamont.

Wyman said she will file her application next week. She could receive her grant as soon as the following week.

Glassman also hopes to qualify for public financing. Lamont has opted out of the voluntary program.