TRENTON — While the big state Democratic fundraising committees outraised and outspent Republicans during the first half of 2010, the GOP appears to be closing the longstanding fundraising gap with Democrats. The three top Democratic fundraising committees picked up $1.3 million the first half of 2010, while their Republican counterparts raised $858,724. But the Republicans’ numbers are up 84...
A March 2010 file photo of the Assembly Chamber.TRENTON — While the big state Democratic fundraising committees outraised and outspent Republicans during the first half of 2010, the GOP appears to be closing the longstanding fundraising gap with Democrats.
The three top Democratic fundraising committees picked up $1.3 million the first half of 2010, while their Republican counterparts raised $858,724. But the Republicans’ numbers are up 84 percent from four years ago, while the Democrats’ numbers are down 59 percent.
Altogether, the “big six” fundraising committees of the state Republican and Democratic parties raked in $2.2 million over the last six months and spent $1.6 million. That’s down over $1 million from last year, when there was a governor’s race and 80 Assembly seats up for grabs. There is little state-level political action this year, with special elections for only three legislative seats: for Assembly in District 5 and state Senate in Districts 5 and 14.
Next year, all 120 legislative seats are up for grabs.
Republicans attributed the better numbers to Gov. Chris Christie.
"We are in the midst of a new era of Republican leadership in our state and within these new and exciting times we have experienced a surge in enthusiasm due to the accomplishments of Governor Christie," said Republican State Committee spokeswoman Nicole Gallo.
Previous Coverage
• Fundraising by N.J. county political parties declines
• N.J. Republicans closing fundraising gap with Democrats at end of first quarter
• Political fundraising is down for N.J. campaign committees