Lt. Gov. Diane Denish (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Diane Denish raised just over $1 million in the last reporting period, and she has nearly $2.2 million on hand going forward, her campaign announced today.
Denish, the lieutenant governor, reported spending just under $433,000 during the reporting period from May to October. A news release from her campaign stated that she received contributions from more than 3,300 people, and 68 percent were for $100 or less.
“I am encouraged that so many New Mexicans from all regions are joining my campaign to make our state a leader in the 21st Century economy,” Denish said in the release. “The grassroots strength of this campaign is a reflection that New Mexicans want to make progress and seize the opportunities ahead, not turn the clock backward. Times are tough, but the future is bright, and the energy and optimism I feel from New Mexicans is inspiring.”
The money Denish raised included about $100,000 in in-kind contributions. Not counting in-kind contributions, she raised about $930,000.
Denish’s finance report isn’t yet posted on the secretary of state’s Web site, and she didn’t release the full report, but she did release the cover sheet that includes the totals.
The other candidate for statewide office who has thus far released his finance report is Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano, a Democrat running for lieutenant governor. Solano reported raising $11,865 and spending $7,192.50.
Finance reports for candidates for state office are due today. I wrote last week that the Republican gubernatorial primary and Democratic lieutenant governor primary are the most important races to watch in the context of today’s finance reports. Check back throughout the day for updates.