Donovan staff blasting self-funding foes worked for Lamont

Donovan staff blasting foes for self-funding worked for Lamont, who did same

Tom Swan, left, campaign manager for Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan, Democratic candidate for Connecticut's 5th Congressional District, addresses the media after a campaign staff member was arrested by the FBI earlier in the week, Friday, June 1, 2012 outside the Capitol in Hartford, Conn. An FBI investigation into the finances of his congressional campaign will not keep Christopher Donovan from running or force him to step down as the Connecticut House speaker, his campaign manager said Friday. (AP Photo/The Record-Journal, Christopher Zajac)

By Jordan Fenster, Staff Reporter

Chris Donovan‘s 5th District Congress campaign has blasted Democratic primary opponents Dan Roberti and Elizabeth Estyin recent days for spending a significant amount of their own money on the race.

2010 File Photo: Ned Lamont (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

But it was a different story when those same campaign operatives were working for millionaire Ned Lamont, who also used his personal fortune to bankroll his runs for Senate and governor in 2006 and 2010.

When asked if the $199,000 the campaign spent on legal fees pertaining to Stan Twardy’s independent investigation into allegedly illegal fundraising practices had hurt the campaign, Donovan spokesman Gabe Rosenberg said no: “Not nearly as much as not having the combined $1.3 million our millionaire opponents have put into their own campaigns.”

Rosenberg worked for Lamont during the 2010 race for governor. Lamont spent $9 million of his own money against now Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in that race.

Swan worked for Lamont, founder of Lamont Digital Systems, in 2006 during a campaign for U.S. Senate, in which Lamont spent almost $17 million of his own money.

“This election isn’t about the people who work for candidates, it’s about the candidates who work for the people,” Rosenberg said in response to the Lamont point. “This isn’t about how the 2006 Senate race was funded, but whether millionaires like former Representative Esty and Dan Roberti are trying to buy the election against the true progressive candidate Chris Donovan.”

Chris Donovan, Connecticut 5th District Congress candidate.

“Chris’ campaign is powered by the grassroots,” Rosenberg said, “working families, progressives, and union members who live in towns all across the 5th Congressional District who want a leader that, when it matters, will stand up and always represent them, not corporations or the ultra-rich. Chris has always stood up to protect education and health care for children and seniors, while never being afraid to make millionaires pay their fair share in order to protect the middle-class. The other candidates can write all the personal checks they want, we have the people on our side.”

Email Jordan Fenster at jfenster@nhregister.com. Follow our 5th District coverage on Twitter @5thDistrictCT or on Facebook @CT5thDistrict.

GOPRULES

It is so ironic that Gabe and Tommy are now whining about a practice used when Lamont ran for office now that the shoe is on the other foot and it is happening to them.
AndersonScooper

Hi Jordan,

Your hit piece neglects to point out that in 2006 Lieberman was not out-spent by Lamont. That’s right, they both spent the same $18-$20 Million on their campaigns, with Lamont’s wealth only coming close to buying himself a level playing field against an entrenched incumbent.

As to Lamont’s gubernatorial bid, that spending was gross, and fwiw, it played a significant role in his loss, as no one wants to see an election bought with money.

Why not report on the fact that last year Roberti listed his net worth as less than a million, but this year he has found $850,000, supposedly of his own money, to pour into this race?

Or you could report on the Esty’s actual net worth, as they’re obviously a lot richer than Elizabeth comes across. (that was until she referred to the middle class as “they” in one of her ads.)

THe issue here isn’t self-funding. It’s that two candidates of seemingly middle-class means are suddenly revealing themselves to be far wealthier than the press has ever reported

http://twitter.com/mattderienzo Matt DeRienzo

We have reported more extensively than anyone on Roberti’s finances, including this piece yesterday: http://ct5thdistrict.registercitizen.com/2012/08/07/roberti-surges-with-help-from-secretive-super-pacs-attack-ads/

Tessa Marquis

It really comes down to the attitude, credentials, and priorities of the candidate. I am a Lamont supporter from 2005/2006, and the money didn’t matter, it was the principle and the man and the opposition to Lieberman that concerned us.

I am a Donovan volunteer, and have yet to hear anyone “whining”. The integrity of the candidate and the staff is important to those of us who volunteer. Roberti and Esty may outspend us, but we have the heart, and the needs of our neighbors, going for us. And that is worth millions.
Tessa Marquis

It didn’t post my name. Sorry.
Tessa Marquis
ctfreeradicals@gmail.com
http://crfreeradicals.com
AndersonScooper

Hi Matt, overall I think you have done a pretty good job sussing-out Roberti’s campaign. Hats off to you all for good reporting.

That being said, who knows what about Elizabeth Esty? Honestly, I had no idea that she and her husband were that well-off.

But it’s not just about money and life-styles. What about positions? Is Esty for paid sick leave, or against it? (Or conveniently both?) Would she have voted for Donovan’s minimum wage increase, or is she on the side of small businesses. What about her “No Labels” talking points? How does she differ from her husband, who sports that brand? What does she think is the problem with the Democratic Party, and which issues does she want to reach across the aisle about? (Foreign policy, energy, health-care, etc.)

The fact of the matter is that outside of being a social liberal, the electorate has no idea what kind of Democrat Esty would be in Congress. Help us out a little?

http://twitter.com/mattderienzo Matt DeRienzo

We are working on just such a story, actually, on both the Republican and Democratic sides … a breakdown, issue, by issue, of real differences among the candidates. If you have any thoughts or information in addition to this comment, feel free to email Jordan Fenster at jfenster @ nhregister.com

Donovan staff blasting foes for self-funding worked for Lamont, who did same

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Donovan staff blasting foes for self-funding worked for Lamont, who did same

The Candidates

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Justin Bernier

Chris Donovan

Dan Roberti

Elizabeth Esty

John Pistone

Lisa Wilson-Foley

Mike Clark

Mark Greenberg

Andrew Roraback

Randy Yale