NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea raised an impressive $477,000 in his first two weeks as a candidate for Governor of New Jersey, putting him near the $580,000 threshold to qualify for matching funds under the state’s Gubernatorial Public Financing Law.
Spadea announced his candidacy on June 17, leaving him just thirteen days remaining in the second quarter.
His early entry gives him six more months to hit the threshold for the first matching funds payout, which would enable him to receive as much as $5.5 million in public funds for the primary, and spend up to $8.7 million. That doesn’t include any super PACs allied with Spadea.
“I’m absolutely humbled and encouraged by the early support our campaign has received from donors across the state,” Spadea stated. “Our efforts are just getting started, but raising nearly a half-million dollars in just 13 days is incredible. New Jerseyans are tired of the politics as usual that have dominated Trenton for decades. The people of New Jersey are ready for a candidate who listens to their concerns and give them a voice.”
Spadea also announced that veteran New Jersey fundraising Theresa Mondella is leading his finance effort.
Also seeking the GOP nomination: State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerville), and former State Sen. Ed “The Trucker” Durr (R-Logan). Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac is also mulling a bid for the GOP nomination.