RELEASE: Poliquin Leads in Fundraising, Stays Clear of Debt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 28, 2010
CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS
207-272-0363
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Brunswick - Financial reports of all privately-funded Republican gubernatorial candidates show Bruce Poliquin the clear winner in fundraising with less than six weeks before the June 8 primary. In total cash and in-kind contributions, Poliquin has earned over $861,000, far out pacing his closest competitors by more than $500,000, and has taken on no debt in managing the finances of his campaign.

Even when the candidates own contributions are subtracted from the total, Poliquin still comes out on top having raised $305,000 from individual cash contributions. Among Poliquin’s competitors, Steve Abbott comes in second with $263,000 raised for the primary, Matt Jacobson with $118,000, Paul LePage with $109,000, Leslie Otten with $105,000, and William Beardsley at just $50,000.

Poliquin has also taken on no debt in funding his campaign. Unlike some in the race, Poliquin has worked for more than a year to earn the support of voters through attending events, direct appeals, responding to phone calls and emails, hosting dozens of hours of town halls, traveling tens of thousands of miles, and listening carefully to the concerns of Mainers.

In contrast, for example, Leslie Otten has loaned his campaign more than $1.2 million, while having only attracted $105,000 from supporters. Paul LePage has also loaned his campaign more than it has taken in, $111,000 to $109,000.

“On one hand, the reports show that doing the hard work necessary to reach voters pays off in support, both at the financial and grassroots level,” said Poliquin, who has made fiscal responsibility and competent management of finances his central theme in the campaign.

“On the other, it shows how some in the race are willing to take on amazing sums of debt and spend more than they earn. The people of Maine deserve a Governor who will reject the economic policies that have put us at risk, such as borrowing and overspending, and introduce competent management of state finances to Augusta.”

Totals from Poliquin have been updated from preliminary reports.

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