WBOB Original Reads

RI Governor's Race: Who Has the Cash to Win?

5/17/2014

Kevin Aherne (@KAherne17)

With more than five months remaining until the election, it is too early to determine a true frontrunner for the gubernatorial race--or is it?

The impact of campaign cash on an election is inarguable. A candidate needs a well stocked war chest to sustain--and inflict-- the blows that will inevitably occur in the election cycle. As we enter the summer months and the election heats up, the candidates will begin to have more media presence, more impactful statements, and likely--more fires to extinguish.

So, who spent their winter stockpiling the cash needed to sustain the ensuing storm? And which candidates squandered the opportunity to properly prepare for battle?

Comparing the candidates' Q1 campaign finance reports with the most recent polling numbers from the Taubman Center for Public Policy at Brown University, see where each of the six potential Governors stand.

Gina Raimondo (D)

Cash on Hand: $3,348,800.08
Total Funds Raised: $3,614,339.65
Primary Polling Support: 29.4%

Clay Pell (D)

Cash on Hand: $2,012,803.76
Total Funds Raised: $2,324,351.05
Primary Polling Support: 9.6%

Angel Taveras (D)

Cash on Hand: $1,370,484.03
Total Funds Raised: $1,523,087.62
Primary Polling Support: 25.8%

Ken Block (R)

Cash on Hand: $653,119.64
Total Funds Raised: $703,538.60
Primary Polling Support: 36.0%

Allan Fung (R)

Cash on Hand: $405,264.73
Total Funds Raised: $517,288.57
Primary Polling Support: 31.4%

Todd Giroux (D)

Cash on Hand: $35.73
Total Funds Raised: $7,324.00
Primary Polling Support: N/A

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