Witman’s Run for Mayor Upsets Her Role As Fundraiser With Fung Campaign

Witman’s Run for Mayor Upsets Her Role As Fundraiser With Fung Campaign

On Wednesday, Allan Fung’s top fundraiser Dee Dee Witman announced that she is running for Mayor of Providence. Witman, a prolific political fundraiser for the past three decades, told GoLocal that she would continue her role with Fung’s gubernatorial campaign while running for mayor.

“I have given the race serious thought for over the past year. I feel the City [of Providence] has gone downhill over the last few years, it pains me to see it,” said Witman on Wednesday.

She added, “I am busy raising money for Allan and the quarter closes Saturday, as you know.”

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By Thursday noon -- she was out as the GOP hopeful's chief fundraiser.

Political Moves

According to sources, Fung did not know of Whitman’s plans and was less than pleased to have his key staffer lose focus on the effort when he is badly trailing incumbent Gina Raimondo in fundraising.

According to Rhode Island Board of Elections campaign finance reports, Raimondo had $4.3 million cash on hand as of the last reporting date — March 31. Fung had just $315,000.

After GoLocal asked questions about the disagreement, the Fung campaign issued a statement:

‘I made a deep and heartfelt decision to run for mayor of a city I love. It became clear that it would be impossible for me to do both jobs well. I now need to focus on my race and left Allan's with a heavy heart. I hold deep affection for him and his team,’ said Witman.

‘Dee Dee cares passionately for the City of Providence and I am grateful for her contribution to my campaign and I wish her the best as she moves forward in this endeavor,’ said Mayor Fung.