The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Finance records in for attorney general candidates
In the race for attorney general, Republican and political newcomer Sue Hatfield dramatically outspent her Democratic opponent in September, dumping over half a million dollars into advertising.
Hatfield, a state prosecutor from Pomfret, spent $580,110 in September, campaign finance reports filed Wednesday show, and has another $7,500 in unpaid expenses. She cut a $305,000 check for broadcast and cable airtime for her commercials and spent $175,000 on digital marketing for advertising that will continue into October.
“Sue is going up against a career politician,” said Spencer Rubin, Hatfield’s spokesman. “She has a great campaign message and we are trying to get it out there.”
In contrast, Democrat William Tong, a Stamford state representative, spent only $73,040 from Sept. 10-30, with nearly $20,000 in unpaid expenses, filings show. His biggest check in that time was $37,000 for polling, but he has previously paid for TV commercials. Tong has more than $750,000 left for the last four weeks before election day.
Both Tong and Hatfield are using $812,550 in public grants to fund their campaigns.
Miller waits for money
In the state comptroller’s race, Republican Kurt Miller is still waiting to be awarded a public financing grant. As of Monday, his campaign had less than $6,000 left, filings show.
Miller, first selectman of Seymour, did not raise the $76,600 needed to qualify for a public grant until Sept. 10.
Miller’s late application for the grant meant that he is only eligible for $609,412.50 in public aid. Democratic incumbent Kevin Lembo — who qualified in June — received more than $800,000 in August.
“We are confident of being approved for the Citizens’ Elections Program at the commission’s next regularly scheduled meeting,” Miller said.
Lembo spent nearly $50,000 on polls in September, as well as thousands on consulting, according to finance reports. Miller could only spend a few thousand on wages and palm cards in that time.