Obscure, small towns like Goshen and Cornwall — towns you would be hard pressed to find on a wall-sized map of thumb-sized Connecticut — are gearing up to elect a new governor in 2006 along with a U.S. Senate Race overshadowing all. But, locally centered around them is one of the most highly financed congressional campaigns in American history between 23-year incumbent Republican Nancy Johnson and 32-year-old Democratic State Senator Chris Murphy.
With Democrats challenging Republicans for majority control of Congress, all eyes are on states like Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, where Republican incumbents are seeking reelection in traditionally liberal states.
“If we win this one, we win the house,” said Sarah Merriam, campaign manager for Murphy.
Johnson’s challengers have not fared well in the past. In 2004, when Johnson sealed victory with 60 percent of the vote, she raised nearly $2.3 million compared to challenger Theresa Gerrantana’s $130,000. In 2002, Connecticut’s 5th and 6th districts were combined. Johnson defeated incumbent 6th district Democrat, Jim Maloney, by 11 percent. Although Maloney spent over $2 million, Johnson won the fundraising battle with nearly $4 million spent in the war of incumbents.
This year, Johnson is again ahead in terms of financing. She has $2.5 million in her war chest to weigh against Murphy’s $785,000. For his efforts, Murphy has already raised more money than any other Johnson opponent except Maloney.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C., Murphy has actually received more money from in-state donors than Johnson has. Connecticut donors account for $400,000 of Johnson’s total funding. Murphy is reporting $416,000 from Connecticut contributors. Merriam claimed the Murphy camp received contributions from 1,750 individuals compared to 1,000 for Johnson. Dave Boomer, Johnson’s campaign manager, disputed the numbers.
“When (a donation) is under $250 it does not have to be itemized,” Boomer said. “They would need to make public the names of all the people that gave. Our point is that there’s no evidence.” Boomer also points out that Murphy has raised the least amount of money of the three Democratic challengers to Republican representatives in Connecticut. “We’re on track to raise the most money ever in a congressional race,” he said.
Democrats claim the Connecticut donation patterns show Johnson to be detached from her home district and too focused on Washington special interest groups. “Johnson has a blank check from D.C. interests,” said Merriam. The Johnson campaign pointed to her record of service and contacts fostered over the last 23 years.
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