Malloy Says He Qualifies For Public Financing In Gov's Race

http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2010/05/malloy-says-he-qualifies-for-p.html

Democrat Dan Malloy said Sunday that he is the first gubernatorial candidate ever to raise enough money in small contributions to qualify for at least $1.25 million -- and probably millions more, he said -- from the state's new public campaign financing system.

Malloy, the former mayor of Stamford, said at a press conference outside the State Capitol that during the past week his campaign exceeded the $250,000 fund-raising threshold under state law to qualify for money from the recently established Connecticut's Citizens' Election Fund. He would receive the first funds after the May 21-22 Democratic state nominating convention, and said he could, ultimately, receive as much as $8.5 million in public financing in the 23 weeks between that convention and the Nov. 2 election.

The state laws governing the public-financing fund require candidates for governor to raise $250,000 in contributions of $100 or less -- to avoid the influence of wealthy donors and special interest groups, and to demonstrate that they have legitimate, widespread support as candidates. Malloy said as of last week he had more than 4,000 contributions averaging about $60 each.

"I'm grateful to the more than 4,000 people who helped us reach this historic milestone, and I'm humbled by their support," said Malloy.