Money Matters-Dean v. Garber. Simmons Supporting Dean.

Republican Martha Dean surprised the party establishment when she scored a big victory at the state’s May nominating convention, defeating three other candidates on the first ballot.  Dean’s failed, however, at turning that delegate support into campaign contributions.  She’s lagging far behind challenger Ross Garber, despite her earlier entry into the race.

In the second quarter of the year, Dean reports raising a paltry $21,437.00.  As of June 30th, her God’s-law-trumps-man’s-law-themed campaign had only $13,833.63 on hand. Among Dean’s contributor’s: retired state employee Rob Simmons, who gave the very conservative Dean $100 in May.

Garber has raised $72,936.87 since raising his head above the parapet  and entering the race after his sister-in-law, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, was knocked out by a May court ruling that deemed her ineligible for a spot on the ballot.  Garber had $60,936.87 on hand and $10,366.82 in unpaid expenses as of June 30th.

Neither Garber nor Dean is raising enough money to reach many Republican primary voters in crowded campaign season.  Dean, who’ll be running on fumes if she isn’t able to turn 5 loaves and 2 fish into some green stuff that folds, is trying to build a following among Republicans who pay close attention to gun, home schooling, and social issues.  They have their own networks which can be effective, especially in low turnout primaries.  Connecticut, however, has not been fertile ground for those efforts.  There’s no evidence that Garber enjoys much passionate support from people who make calls and knock on doors.