Ganim Builds Major Money Lead Over Moore–Stallworth Sputters

In the race for money, Mayor Joe Ganim has outraised primary opponent State Senator Marilyn Moore by roughly 3 to 1, racking up $309,325 in campaign contributions overall to Moore’s $98,805, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Town Clerk’s Office on Wednesday.

For the second quarter report that ended June 30th, Ganim raised $114,920 to Moore’s $30,630. Moore raised roughly $68,000 during the first quarter filing period. The early money is always the easiest money to raise from core supporters, friends and family.

Ganim has $238,270 on hand at the close of the reporting period to Moore’s $77,766.

The other announced Democrat in the race State Rep. Charlie Stallworth raised only $10K for the quarter, bringing his overall amount raised to about $18,000. Based on money, Stallworth is not a factor. Will he stay in or cut a deal with Moore or Ganim? Stallworth on Wednesday met with Moore for breakfast at a city diner. His dubious campaign appears short-lived.

See ganimreport.

See moorereport.

See stallworthreport.

Stallworth, an early supporter of Ganim in 2015, was awarded a $100K city job. Within a year they had a falling-out. Stallworth and Moore have never been particularly close, but will he align with Moore to spite Ganim?

With the September 10 primary two months away Moore’s campaign must find another gear to raise essential funds to position for a potential upset. Barring a major independent expenditure from an organization, money is the largest question mark for her campaign as she prepares to petition her way onto the ballot.

In this type of race it’s not what Ganim spends, it’s what Moore spends to compete. Four years ago then-incumbent Bill Finch spent $600,000 to Ganim’s $300,000 during Ganim’s primary upset on his way to an easy general election win.

On July 23rd Ganim will be endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee for another four-year term. The very next morning Moore’s campaign operatives will sign out the paperwork from the registrar’s office to fan out across the city for the two-week window to bank five percent, or roughly 2,300 verified signatures from registered Democrats in Bridgeport.

Moore brings a base of support from Black Rock, West Side and North End, neighborhoods she represents in the State Senate. Her Senate district covers about one third of the city. She must introduce herself to the other two thirds of Bridgeport where her name recognition is not nearly as high. Money and organization are key factors for explaining why an incumbent should be fired, something Ganim accomplished four years ago.