Data released recently sheds light on how political candidates in Vermont are faring in terms of fundraising as they gear up for the upcoming fall election. Although money isn’t everything in a race, it certainly helps candidates get their message out through ads and mailers.
Incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott has raised over $37,000, spent $22,618, and still has a hefty $378,818 left in his campaign coffers. His Democratic challenger, Esther Charlestin, on the other hand, has raised just over $4,500, spent $2,557.35, and appears to have no funds left.
In the lieutenant governor race, incumbent Progressive-Democrat David Zuckerman has raised $13,760.90, spent $38,893.06, and has around $43,000 on hand. His opponent, former-Democrat-turned-Republican John Rodgers, has raised $18,660.00, spent $24,105.12, and has about $15,000 remaining.
Notably, the data reveals that significant funds are flowing into several Republican candidates, particularly in down-ballot Senate races. For instance, in the race for the Grand Isle state Senate seat, Republican Pat Brennan has raised $9,497, spent over $10,000, and has approximately $23,000 on hand. Democratic candidate Andy Julow, who succeeded the late Sen. Dick Mazza, has raised approximately $2,200, spent the same amount, and has about $4,500 leftover.
Ultimately, while money is important in campaigns, it isn’t always a guarantee of success, as evidenced by longtime TV anchor Stewart Ledbetter, who raised over $68,000 in the primary for a state Senate race and still lost. With the November election approaching, the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office will soon begin mailing out ballots to voters.
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