Congressional Fundraising War: Who’s Winning?

Congressional Fundraising War: Who’s Winning?

With less than two weeks left until the Democratic primary, David Cicilline retains the lead in the race for money raising $194,243.81 between July 1 and August 25, according to his pre-primary finance report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

But Anthony Gemma has edged into second place among the First District Congressional candidates, thanks to a personal donation he made to his campaign.

Gemma raised a net total of $123,919.80 during the same period. Most of that is due to a $113,744.80 donation he made to his own campaign, according to his pre-primary report filed on September 2. That leaves $10,175.00 in individual contributions. Cicilline drew $171,410.39 in individual contributions.

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Gemma also loaned his campaign 78000.00. Cicilline did not make any personal loans.

Meanwhile, David Segal pulled in $75,768.29 and Bill Lynch collected $45,291.00. (Click here to read Segal’s report and here for Lynch’s report.)

Cicilline Says Message Is ‘Resonating’

Cicilline’s campaign said his fundraising results reflected the level of support he has among voters.

“David Cicilline’s message is resonating with voters throughout the First Congressional District and we see this every day in the outpouring of support he receives on the campaign trail, including yesterday’s fundraising numbers,” campaign manager Eric Hyers said yesterday. “Over the next 11 days, David is going to continue doing what he’s been doing from the day he kicked off his campaign—talking with voters in cities and towns all over the First District and listening to their concerns about the upcoming election.”

Gemma to Put Another $300,000 Into Campaign

Gemma told GoLocalProv he was planning on investing more of his personal money into his campaign. His pre-primary report showed that he pumped a little over $200,000 into his campaign in the last two months—through a combination of the loan and the donation. Gemma said he would be putting in another $300,000. That would bring the total amount of personal funds he has leveraged for his campaign to just over $700,000

“I’m going to put in whatever is necessary to be competitive,” Gemma said.

Segal, Lynch Claim Momentum

Like Cicilline, Segal and Lynch both claimed momentum in the race, based on their fundraising.

Since August 25, the Segal campaign said he had gotten more than $30,000 in additional donations, bringing his total contributions to over $100,000 since July 1.

“Our robust fundraising is evidence of our momentum and the strength of our message,” Segal said. “Each day, more and more Rhode Islanders are joining our cause: The corporations and extraordinarily wealthy have all the power and influence they need. Rhode Islanders want a Congressperson who will be a voice for our working families.”

Devin Driscoll, a Lynch spokesman, said the campaign had been “disciplined” and efficiently run, ensuring funds were “applied towards a significant, targeted television buy.”

He also claimed that Cicilline’s fundraising had “hit a ceiling.”

“Even though Mayor Cicilline laundered more than half a million dollars into his federal campaign account, he has been unable to persuade voters that he is capable of addressing the crucial issues facing Rhode Islanders,” Driscoll said. “Not only has he hit a ceiling - no matter how many campaign commercials he purchases - he is, according to our most recent internal polling, tending downwards.”

“We have the momentum, and are feeling good about our last ten days of this primary campaign,” he added.

How Big Are Their War Chests?

Cicilline also ended the filing period with far more cash on hand than his opponents, reporting a total of $445,631.76 . The other candidates had the following: Anthony Gemma, $186,369.66; Bill Lynch, $129,260.47; David Segal, $60,979.39.