Republican Senate candidate Bruce Blakeman has reported having less campaign cash than his
competitors for the seat held by Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
The former presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature reported raising $151,146 in the second quarter and has $236,247 on hand.
Blakeman faces a primary challenge Sept. 14 from former Bear Stearns economist David Malpass, who had $2.4 million, which includes a $1.5 million personal loan to his campaign.
Former Westchester County congressman Joe DioGuardi filed petitions to force a three-way Republican primary. He had $843,446 and raised $126,753.
The Blakeman campaign said Friday it has broad support and has held four fundraisers since the reporting period.
Gillibrand has a bigger war chest than the three Republicans combined at $7.2 million.
Blakeman announced his candidacy to challenge Gillibrand’s seat in January. He previously ran for New York State Senate, losing to comptroller H. Carl McCall in 1998.
With The Associated Press.
