Cheshire's Esty Leads in 5th District Fundraising

Former state representative and Cheshire Council member Elizabeth Esty is leading the fundraising race in the 5th congressional district race, raising more money than her fellow Democrats vying for the nomination, as well as the five GOP candidates.

Esty raised $366,964 in the first quarter of 2012 and $1,167,032 total since beginning her campaign last year. She ended the quarter once again with the most cash on hand at $819,064, according to figures released by her campaign, whose organizers say that “the latest numbers offer further proof that Esty will have the resources and organization” to defeat all contenders.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that Elizabeth Esty is the strongest candidate to keep the 5th District blue in November,” said Esty campaign spokesman Jeb Fain. “Thousands of people across northwest Connecticut and across the country are investing in her campaign to create good-paying middle-class jobs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and bring common-sense leadership to Washington. Elizabeth is honored by the enthusiastic and dedicated support she’s received since beginning her campaign last year. She’s going to keep working hard to earn votes in every corner of the district and win the August primary and the November election.”

This latest filing period accounts for funds raised between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2012. The Connecticut primary election for non-presidential contests is August 14.

Nipping at Esty’s heels on the fundraising front is Democrat Dan Roberti, whose campaign released information recently showing that he has raised $1,102,386 in the first quarter. Coming in third among the Democrats seeking the nomination was House Speaker Chris Donovan, who has raised $940,000.

According to another published report Esty is leading the field in fundraising among the eight major party candidates who are seeking the nomination for the open 5th District seat.